Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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The specialty of anesthesiology in Canada has traditionally had a larger proportion of male practitioners. More recently, however, the proportion of female medical students has increased. We sought to determine if the gender ratio within the specialty of anesthesiology in Canada has followed the female:male distribution patterns within medical schools. ⋯ The number (and female:male ratio) of women in anesthesiology in Canada is increasing gradually. However, more males continue to enter the field than women. This may be explained by a lower number of women who rank anesthesiology as their first choice in the annual CaRMS match.
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Gabapentin's role in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain is well known. What is less well established is its role for managing postoperative pain. In order to clarify whether gabapentin's utility in acute pain control is more than just theoretical, we conducted a meta-analysis of all randomized trials that addressed gabapentin's role in acute postoperative pain control. We specifically addressed whether gabapentin reduces pain scores, analgesia consumption, and/or analgesia-related side effects in the first 24 hr following surgery. ⋯ Although gabapentin given preoperatively decreases pain scores and analgesic consumption in the first 24 hr after surgery, the clinical significance of this finding has yet to be determined. This meta-analysis could not demonstrate a significant reduction in the incidence of side effects. Due to the small numbers enrolled in the studies, larger randomized control trials are warranted.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Anesthesiologist-controlled versus patient-controlled propofol sedation for shockwave lithotripsy.
To compare anesthesiologist-controlled sedation (ACS) with patient-controlled sedation (PCS), with respect to propofol requirements, sedation, and recovery, in patients undergoing extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for urinary calculi. ⋯ In comparison to PCS for patients undergoing extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, propofol/fentanyl ACS is associated with increased propofol administration, deeper sedation levels, and greater patient comfort. However, ACS is associated with slower recovery and a longer time to meet discharge criteria, when compared to PCS.
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Proteinuria is a non-specific marker of inflammation that may reflect the glomerular component of systemic capillary leak. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if postoperative proteinuria is associated with adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. ⋯ Proteinuria two to four hours after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass may be a useful marker for systemic capillary leak and adverse postoperative events. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Case Reports
Anesthetic and obstetric considerations in a parturient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.
To explain the considerations governing the anesthetic management of pregnant patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS). Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a congenital vascular disease characterized by cutaneous hemangiomas, venous varicosities, and limb hypertrophy; and is associated with both hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. The importance of this diagnosis, including the presence of neuraxial vascular anomalies, is often under-appreciated by both obstetric and anesthesia providers. While regional anesthetic management of patients with KTS has been discussed by others, we present a case in which regional anesthesia presented an unwarranted risk to the patient. ⋯ The posterior cutaneous hemangiomas of KTS may be associated with underlying epidural and subdural vascular malformations. Disruption of these vascular anomalies during regional anesthesia may lead to neuraxial hematoma formation, which may be further compounded by a consumptive coagulopathy observed in some cases of KTS. If neuraxial vascular anomalies cannot be ruled out radiographically, regional anesthesia should be avoided. Additionally, regardless of the anesthetic technique chosen, the coagulation profile of these patients should be verified for signs of coagulopathy.