The Journal of international medical research
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To determine the relevance of surgery and other causative factors to the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in patients with severe systemic disease. ⋯ Lower baseline MMSE score was the only independent predictor for POCD in patients with severe systemic disease.
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Clinicians hesitate to perform thoracic paravertebral blockade (TPVB) in children due to the potential high risk of adverse effects. No paediatric anatomical guidelines for TPVB exist. This study aimed to estimate the appropriate depth and distance for safe needle positioning in children. ⋯ These anatomical guidelines for TPVB are recommended to help prevent anaesthetic complications such as pneumothorax, when ultrasonography and CT are unavailable.
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Transcutaneous, arterial and end-tidal measurements of carbon dioxide were compared in patients (American Society of Anesthesiology physical status classes II and III) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with carbon dioxide insufflation. ⋯ TcPCO(2) was a valid and practical measurement compared with ETCO(2). In patients with COPD undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, TcPCO(2) and ETCO(2) could be used instead of arterial blood gas sampling.
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Data regarding the value of prehospital measurement of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponin T as prognostic indicators of in-hospital mortality are limited. This prospective pilot study aimed to determine the value of a single combined measurement of NT-proBNP and troponin T for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ischaemic stroke in a prehospital emergency medicine centre. ⋯ NT-proBNP and troponin T levels, measured during the prehospital phase of care after acute ischaemic stroke, are strong predictors of in-hospital mortality.
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The accuracy of stroke volume variation (SVV) obtained by the FloTrac™/Vigileo™ system in otherwise healthy patients undergoing brain surgery was assessed. ⋯ Stroke volume variation obtained using the FloTrac™/Vigileo™ system is a sensitive predictor of fluid responsiveness in healthy patients before brain surgery.