European journal of anaesthesiology
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Comparative Study
Can we rely on arterial line sampling in performing activated plasma thromboplastin time after cardiac surgery?
Arterial catheters are routinely used to sample blood for clotting studies in most cardiothoracic intensive care units. The clotting profile in surgical bleeding after cardiac surgery influences further management. Aspiration and discard of a certain amount of blood from the line, prior to sampling, are assumed to clear heparin contamination. We have investigated this assumption through analysis of the clotting profile by simultaneous arterial line and peripheral venous samples. ⋯ Samples withdrawn from heparinized arterial lines cannot be relied upon for APTT ratio results.
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A randomized, blind study to evaluate the effects on beta-endorphin and substance P release after washing acid burns with 0.9% saline, calcium gluconate or diphoterine in a model of chemical burn in rats. ⋯ Skin flushing with diphoterine reduced substance P release during the first 48 h after burn, and was associated with better wound healing and higher concentrations of beta-endorphin 7 days later when compared with normal saline or 10% calcium gluconate.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A comparison of the effects of ranitidine and omeprazole on volume and pH of gastric contents in elective surgical patients.
In cases of aspiration of gastric contents the risk of pneumonitis is dependent on the pH and volume of the gastric contents. Omeprazole and rantidine each decrease gastric volume and increase gastric pH. We evaluated the efficacy of preoperative administration of omeprazole (60 mg) or ranitidine (150 mg) in the prophylaxis of aspiration pneumonitis. ⋯ Preoperative oral administration of omeprazole (60 mg) or ranitidine (150 mg) reduced residual gastric content volume and increased pH > 2.5, possibly reducing the effects of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents.