Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Mar 2009
ReviewClinical implications of new neuromuscular concepts and agents: so long, neostigmine! So long, sux!
Although antiquated and long targeted for obsolescence, neostigmine and succinylcholine still serve the anesthesia community, decades after their inferior pharmacological profiles have been recognized. The need to quickly establish a good intubation condition with a relaxant that will recover rapidly is fundamental to safe anesthesia practice. ⋯ This allows for use of rocuronium to establish a good intubation condition, and use of sugammadex to terminate the neuromuscular block at will. The present article assesses the clinical implications of such therapeutic regimen, and provides an educated guess on how the clinical neuromuscular practice might change, if and when sugammadex becomes clinically available.
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"Expert" editorial opinion suggests that objective or quantitative neuromuscular monitors should be used whenever nondepolarizing blocking agents are administered. It is clear that this advice has by and large fallen on deaf ears. ⋯ This chapter will explore potential reasons for and consequences of this disconnect between academia and "the real world." Along the way, we will examine such questions as how do we define and measure adequate recovery from nondepolarizing block. What are the limitations of clinical tests of recovery such as the "head-lift test?" What is the incidence of undetected postoperative residual curarization (PORC)? Does neuromuscular monitoring reduce the frequency of PORC? How will the availability of sugammadex alter the above discussion?
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Journal of critical care · Mar 2009
ReviewClinical limitations of acetylcholinesterase antagonists.
Administration of a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drug (muscle relaxant) is a standard practice in many anesthetic scenarios. These muscle relaxants work by competitive antagonism of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at nicotinic cholinergic receptors within the neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscle (Martyn et al; Neuromuscular physiology and pharmacology, anesthesia. Edited by RD Miller, Philadelphia, Churchill Livingstone, 2000). ⋯ Pharmacologic reversal currently relies on the administration of an anticholinesterase drug, which decreases the metabolism of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction and allows its concentration to increase and hopefully overcome the effect of the muscle relaxant. This approach to reversal has significant limitations; the mechanism of reversal is indirect, the efficacy is limited and unpredictable, and undesirable autonomic responses occur. This review will address these limitations.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2008
ReviewImportant issues in the design and reporting of clinical trials in severe sepsis and acute lung injury.
Severe sepsis and acute lung injury are challenging diagnoses as they relate to designing and reporting of clinical trials. The limited success in bringing forward new therapies in these areas is likely proof of that premise. The ability to use preclinical and phase I and II trial data to predict which patients and which dosing regimens are more likely to benefit is perhaps the greatest challenge. ⋯ Conflict of interest issues which rested dormantly for years are now at the forefront of discussion, and journal editorial board responsibility in this area is being recognized. Protocols may also help reduce heterogeneity of treatment across centers in clinical trials. This article reviews many of the problems encountered in clinical trial design and reporting and offers a perspective on dealing with them to the betterment of a clinical trial.