Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Unfractionated heparin continues to be one of the main agents used for thromboprophylaxis in obstetrics, which can complicate the placement of neuraxial anesthetics. In this study, we explored the relationship between a point-of-care coagulation test (thromboelastometry) and plasma heparin concentrations in vitro. ⋯ The point-of-care IH CT ratio may be useful in identifying the presence of little to no heparin activity. Further research is needed to determine if this ratio can predict heparin activity in vivo.
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Review
Outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 survivors and caregivers: a case study-centred narrative review.
Critical illness is a transformative experience for both patients and their family members. For COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), survival may be the start of a long road to recovery. Our knowledge of the post-ICU long-term sequelae of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) may inform our understanding and management of the long-term effects of COVID-19. ⋯ Emerging literature on COVID-19 outcomes suggests some similarities with those of ARDS/SARS and prolonged mechanical ventilation. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 is presented here in the context of early outcome data and to inform an agenda for longitudinal research for patients and families.
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Labour epidural analgesia (LEA) is an evolving field. Various neuraxial techniques and dosing regimens are available to the modern obstetric anesthesia provider, allowing for significant practice variability. To begin a search for consensus on optimal care, we sought to query fellowship training practices for LEA. ⋯ Despite significant variability in LEA practice, some clear patterns emerged in our survey, including preference for opioid-containing CSE and maintenance with PIEB, PCEA, and dilute epidural solutions.