Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of 5% albumin on endothelial glycocalyx degradation during off-pump coronary artery bypass.
The integrity of the endothelial glycocalyx (EG), a critical player in vascular homeostasis, reportedly influences the outcomes of critically ill patients. We investigated the effect of 5% albumin, which preserved EG integrity in preclinical studies, vs balanced crystalloid solution on EG degradation in patients undergoing off-pump coronary surgery. ⋯ Off-pump coronary surgery was associated with significant EG degradation. Yet, intraoperative fluid therapy with 5% albumin could not ameliorate EG degradation when compared with balanced crystalloid solution.
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Diagnostic laboratory tests are an integral part of managing hospitalized patients. In particular, patients in the intensive care units (ICUs) can experience a concerning amount of blood loss due to diagnostic testing, which can increase the risk developing iatrogenic anemia. Several interventions exist to curtail avoidable blood loss, for example computerized decision support, smaller phlebotomy tubes, and other blood conservation devices. Nevertheless, use of these interventions is not standardized. Therefore, the objective of our study was to quantify the daily phlebotomy volume taken from patients who had undergone major cardiac or vascular surgery. ⋯ Diagnostic laboratory tests are associated with significant patient blood loss, but are a modifiable risk factor. The use of small-volume tubes and closed blood collection devices decreases the volume of patient blood drawn for analysis and prevents blood waste.