Anaesthesia and intensive care
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Apr 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA comparison of the GlideScope with the Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in patients with simulated difficult airway.
We compared the use of the GlideScope and the conventional Macintosh laryngoscope in a simulated difficult airway. The primary hypothesis was that time to intubation would be shorter using the GlideScope than using the Macintosh laryngoscope. After obtaining approval from the ethics committee and written informed consent, we recruited 60 ASA 1 and 2 patients to our randomized controlled trial. ⋯ Group G had a significantly shorter intubation time than group M (mean 41.8s +/- SD 20.2 vs mean 56.2s +/- 26.6, P < 0.05). The GlideScope improved the laryngeal view and decreased time for tracheal intubation time when compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope in patients with simulated difficult airway. The GlideScope may be a good alternative for managing the difficult airway but clinical trials evaluating its use on patients with an actual difficult airway are needed.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Apr 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffect of nitrous oxide in reducing pain of propofol injection in adult patients.
In a randomized, double-blind, prospective trial we compared the efficacy of pre-treatment with nitrous oxide (with or without premixed lignocaine in propofol) for the prevention of propofol-induced pain. Ninety consecutive patients were recruited in the study and divided into three groups of 30 each, who received either 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen along with lignocaine 40 mg mixed in 1% propofol 20 ml (Group NL), 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen without lignocaine in propofol (Group N), and 50% oxygen in air with lignocaine mixed in propofol 40 mg (Group L). Pain scores were graded on a four point verbal rating scale (0-3). ⋯ There was no statistical difference observed between group N and group L. Inhalation of 50% nitrous oxide reduces pain on propofol injection. The combination of 50% nitrous oxide and lignocaine mixed with propofol was the most effective treatment.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Apr 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of oxygen cost of breathing between pressure-support ventilation and airway pressure release ventilation.
We compared the oxygen cost of breathing between pressure-support ventilation (PSV) and airway pressure release ventilation (APRV). This prospective, randomized, crossover study was conducted in a mixed ICU of a university hospital. Twenty clinically stable and spontaneously breathing patients after long-term mechanical ventilation were included. ⋯ There were no statistically significant differences with regard to respiratory rate, minute volume, and blood gas analysis. All patients tolerated both ventilatory modes without signs of discomfort. PSV and APRV produced similar results in terms of oxygen cost of breathing and other metabolic variables.
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Serotonin syndrome results from excessive activation of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) receptors in the nervous system, on the surface of platelets, and on the vascular endothelium. The clinical manifestations are a triad of altered conscious state, autonomic dysfunction, and neuromuscular excitability. Clinical diagnostic criteria remain poorly defined and unvalidated, and there are no available investigations to confirm the diagnosis. ⋯ Neuromuscular excitability is likely to be the cause of rhabdomyolysis seen in severe cases and should be treated with benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants. Supportive therapies are required to treat hyperthermia and autonomic dysfunction. Cyproheptadine is the most commonly administered serotonergic antagonist, but is unavailable in parenteral form.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Apr 2005
Evaluation of random plasma cortisol and the low dose corticotropin test as indicators of adrenal secretory capacity in critically ill patients: a prospective study.
It is unclear whether a random plasma cortisol measurement and the corticotropin (ACTH) test adequately reflect glucocorticoid secretory capacity in critical illness. This study aimed to determine whether these tests provide information representative of the 24 hour period. Plasma cortisol was measured hourly for 24 hours in 21 critically ill septic patients followed by a corticotropin test with 1 microg dose administered intravenously. ⋯ We conclude that although random cortisol measurements and the low dose corticotropin tests reliably reflect the 24 hour mean cortisol in critical illness, they do not take into account the pulsatile nature of cortisol secretion. Consequently, there is the potential for erroneous conclusions about adrenal function based on a single measurement. We suggest that caution be exercised when drawing conclusions on the adequacy of adrenal function based on a single random plasma cortisol or the corticotropin test.