Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Case Reports
Low thoracic erector spinae plane block for perioperative analgesia in lumbosacral spine surgery: a case series.
Severe postoperative pain following spine surgery is a significant cause of morbidity, extended length of facility stay, and marked opioid usage. The erector spinae plane (ESP) block anesthetizes the dorsal rami of spinal nerves that innervate the paraspinal muscles and bony vertebra. We describe the use of low thoracic ESP blocks as part of multimodal analgesia in lumbosacral spine surgery. ⋯ The ESP block can contribute significantly to a perioperative multimodal opioid-sparing analgesic regimen and enhance recovery after lumbosacral spine surgery.
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The intensity of care provided to critically ill patients has been shown to be associated with mortality. In patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), specialized neurocritical care is often required, but whether it affects clinically significant outcomes is unknown. We aimed to determine the association of the intensity of care on mortality and the incidence of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies in critically ill patients with severe TBI. ⋯ In general, more intense care was associated with fewer deaths and a lower incidence of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies in critically ill patients with severe TBI.
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Xenon has been shown to have positive neurologic effects in various pre-clinical models. This study systematically reviewed the randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) investigating neurologic and cognitive outcomes associated with the clinical use of xenon. ⋯ Despite promising pre-clinical results, the evidence for positive clinical neurologic and cognitive outcomes associated with xenon administration is modest. Nevertheless, there is some evidence to suggest that xenon may be associated with better neurologic outcomes compared with the standard of care therapy in certain specific clinical situations. More clinical trials are needed to determine any potential benefit linked to xenon administration.
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Biography Historical Article
Dr. Margaret McCallum-Johnston: Canada's first female anesthesiologist.