European journal of anaesthesiology
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Mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) is used after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) to minimize cerebral damage. Induced hypothermia may further interfere with cardiac function and influence haemodynamics after OHCA. ⋯ MTH after OHCA lowered the heart rate. Despite induction of hypothermia with cold fluids, filling pressures decreased. Lower mean arterial pressure and cardiac output were observed during MTH, without deleterious effect on ScVO2. Lactate levels were elevated during MTH; however, levels did not correlate with outcome. Although the need for vasopressors and inotropes increases, this hypothermia-induced metabolic beta-blocker-like effect seems to have no negative effect on oxygen consumption and only temporarily affects anaerobic metabolism. No association of haemodynamic changes during MTH with outcome was found.
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The use of sevoflurane in paediatric anaesthesia which could enable rapid recovery is complicated by the frequent occurrence of emergence agitation. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of supplementing midazolam-based oral premedication with low-dose oral ketamine in reducing sevoflurane-related emergence agitation. ⋯ Adding a low dose of oral ketamine to midazolam-based oral premedication in preschool children undergoing dental surgery reduced emergence agitation without delaying hospital discharge.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of preoperative gabapentin on postoperative pain and tramadol consumption after minilap open cholecystectomy: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
To evaluate the efficacy of a single preoperative dose of 600 mg of gabapentin for reducing postoperative pain and tramadol consumption after minilap open cholecystectomy. ⋯ Preoperative administration of 600 mg of gabapentin resulted in significant reduction in postoperative verbal analogue pain scores at rest and at movement as well as tramadol consumption compared with placebo on first postoperative day. Lower incidence of nausea and vomiting was an additional advantage. Sedation was the commonest side effect.
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Pulmonary hypertensive patients going for surgery are at significant risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. They pose a clinically challenging situation for the anaesthetist and strategies to minimize the effects on these patients are discussed. Recent advances have allowed a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and development of new therapies. ⋯ An update on the recent advances in medical therapy with calcium channel blockers, prostacyclin analogues, endothelin receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors is provided and relevant anaesthetic concerns highlighted. Key strategies for intraoperative management are presented and we review the options and novel strategies for managing an acute episode of decompensated pulmonary hypertension intraoperatively. Promising new therapies being explored include intraoperative delivery of inhaled milrinone and inhaled prostacyclin analogues.