Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation induces hypercapnic respiratory acidosis. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) aims to eliminate blood carbon dioxide (CO2) in order to reduce adverse effects from hypercapnia and the related acidosis. Hypercapnia has deleterious extra-pulmonary consequences in increasing intracranial pressure and inducing and/or worsening right heart failure. ⋯ Moreover, ECCO2R may prevent NIV failure while facilitating the weaning of intubated patients from mechanical ventilation. In this review of the literature, the authors will present the current knowledge on the pathophysiology related to COPD, the principles of the ECCO2R technique and its role in acute and severe decompensation of COPD. However, despite technical advances, there are only case series in the literature and few prospective studies to clearly establish the role of ECCO2R in acute and severe COPD decompensation.
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Despite an increase in the proportion of women entering the field of anesthesiology, women remain underrepresented in academic and leadership positions. Speaking at national and international conferences is an important component of academic visibility and promotion. To date, the gender representation of speakers at the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society (CAS) annual meeting has not been examined. ⋯ The representation of women speakers at the CAS annual meeting was similar to the representation of women in the anesthesiology workforce in Canada over the study period. Gender representation varied widely by subspecialty symposia, subject area, and women were absent from nearly half of all symposia at the CAS annual meetings, which are potential areas of future investigation and intervention.