Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune condition affecting women of childbearing age that is characterized by diminished platelet quantity with preserved function. Although pregnant women with ITP are often denied obstetric neuraxial anesthesia (OBNA) with low platelet counts for fear of neuraxial hematoma, the true magnitude of neuraxial hematoma for ITP parturients is unknown. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine OBNA outcomes in ITP parturients with platelet counts below 100 x 109·L-1. ⋯ Our study highlights continued reluctance to offer OBNA below the commonly quoted 80 x 109·L-1 platelet count, based largely on consensus and theoretical presumption of risk. This further negatively influences the accrual of large-scale data. The evidence of no neuraxial hematoma after OBNA provided herein offers support for considering neuraxial anesthesia at lower platelet count thresholds. Each patient should be afforded individualized discussion of risk and benefit relative to other analgesic measures.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Peripheral electrical stimulation reduces postoperative hypoxemia in patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized-controlled trial.
Severity of hypoxemic events resulting from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is correlated with increased risk of complications and sudden death. We studied the use of a peripheral transcutaneous electrical stimulus (TES) on the magnitude and duration of sleep apnea associated hypoxemia in postoperative patients at high risk for OSA. ⋯ In postoperative surgical patients at risk for OSA, peripheral transcutaneous electrical stimulation applied during apneic episodes decreased the duration and magnitude of hypoxemia.