European journal of anaesthesiology
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Review
Inhaled anaesthetics and nitrous oxide: Complexities overlooked: things may not be what they seem.
This review re-examines existing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts of inhaled anaesthetics. After showing where uptake is hidden in the classic FA/FI curve, it is argued that target-controlled delivery of inhaled agents warrants a different interpretation of the factors affecting this curve (cardiac output, ventilation and blood/gas partition coefficient). Blood/gas partition coefficients of modern agents may be less important clinically than generally assumed. ⋯ It is argued that nitrous oxide remains a clinically useful drug. We hope to bring old (but ignored) and new (but potentially overlooked) information into the educational and clinical arenas to stimulate discussion among clinicians and researchers. We should not let technology pass by our all too engrained older concepts.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Satisfaction and safety using dexmedetomidine or propofol sedation during endoscopic oesophageal procedures: A randomised controlled trial.
Dexmedetomidine possesses anxiolytic and hypnotic properties without respiratory side-effects, making it theoretically an ideal sedative agent for endoscopic procedures. ⋯ Compared with propofol, sedation with dexmedetomidine resulted in less satisfaction, and caused prolonged haemodynamic depression after endoscopic oesophageal procedures.
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Observational Study
Preload dependency determines the effects of phenylephrine on cardiac output in anaesthetised patients: A prospective observational study.
Although phenylephrine is widely used in the operating room to control arterial pressure, its haemodynamic effects remain controversial. ⋯ The effects of phenylephrine on CI and SV depend on preload. CI and SV decreased in preload-independent patients through increase in afterload, but were unchanged in those preload-dependent through increased venous return.
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Observational Study
Early matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentration in the first 48 h after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage predicts delayed cerebral ischaemia: An observational study.
Delayed cerebral ischaemia from vasospasm is an important cause of complications and death after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. There is currently no established biomarker for identifying patients at high risk of delayed cerebral ischaemia. ⋯ MMP-9 concentrations in both plasma and CSF, measured within 48 h after subarachnoid haemorrhage, were highly predictive of the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischaemia within the first 2 weeks.