Journal of clinical anesthesia
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During cataract surgery, both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist need access to the patient's face. At our institution we achieved a working compromise by using an oxygen insufflating hoop, which allowed the surgeon access to the eye and a sterile field. The patient's airway was kept free by the hoop, and the patient breathed a high inspired oxygen fraction. ⋯ Reducing the oxygen flow below 10 L/min led to increased retention of CO2 under the drapes. Paper drapes are permeable to CO2, but plastic drapes are impermeable. We did not measure the arterial partial pressure of CO2, and so we do not know whether CO2 accumulation was accompanied by respiratory acidosis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Partial attenuation of hemodynamic responses to rapid sequence induction and intubation with labetalol.
The effectiveness of labetalol (a combination nonselective beta and alpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonist) in modifying hemodynamic responses associated with rapid sequence induction and tracheal intubation was evaluated. In a double-blind study, 24 ASA physical status I or II male patients scheduled for elective surgery were given either IV labetalol, 0.25 mg/kg (n = 8) or 0.75 mg/kg (n = 8), or a saline placebo (n = 8). Five minutes later, patients were given oxygen by mask and IV vecuronium, 0.01 mg/kg. ⋯ Within 30 seconds after intubation, patients in all three groups exhibited increases in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, total peripheral resistance, and rate pressure product and a decrease in stroke volume. However, patients in the 0.25 and 0.75 mg/kg labetalol groups, compared to those in the placebo group, had significantly lower increases in peak heart rate (33 +/- 2 and 27 +/- 3 vs. 44 +/- 7 beats/minute), peak mean arterial pressure (38 +/- 6 and 38 +/- 7 vs. 58 +/- 7 mmHg), and peak rate pressure product (7,726 +/- 260 and 7,215 +/- 300 vs. 14,023 +/- 250 units). The results show that these doses of labetalol significantly blunt, but do not completely block, autonomic responses to rapid sequence induction and intubation.
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The modern version of the crystalloid-colloid debate has continued for more than 25 years, and a current appraisal of the debate is presented here. Although the effect of crystalloids and colloids on intravascular volume is important, their effect on interstitial fluid volume after hemorrhage and hemorrhagic shock is central to the debate. ⋯ The problems of pulmonary and peripheral edema also are presented, as is an appraisal of adverse reactions to colloids together with a cost comparison of crystalloids and colloids. The results of a survey of attitudes at the major Australian anesthetic departments are given, and a personal approach to fluids in resuscitation is outlined.
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This is a population-based study of the safety of obstetrical anesthesia in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts between 1954 and 1985. We used data collected by the state Committee on Maternal Mortality, which was founded in 1941. There were a total of 37 maternal deaths during the study period due to anesthetic-related complications. ⋯ During the second decade, cardiovascular collapse associated with regional anesthesia was the primary cause of death. During the last decade of this study, all deaths were associated with general endotracheal anesthesia. As a result of this study and having identified the changes in the standard of care in Massachusetts that led to the reduction in maternal mortality, we offer recommendations to further improve the safety of anesthesia for childbirth in this country.