Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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The management of atrial fibrillation has seen marked changes in recent years. This is the result of better knowledge of the pathophysiology and risks factors for atrial fibrillation, better stratification for thromboembolic and bleeding risks, changing practices in anticoagulation management, and the development of new antiarrhythmic drugs. This article focuses on these new issues, with particular attention to their relevance in the perioperative period. ⋯ Better knowledge of the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation and improved awareness of the risks associated with this frequent arrhythmia are continuing to improve the management of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and new-onset atrial fibrillation in the perioperative period. As with most complex disease processes, treatment decisions must be individualized for each patient and clinical context.
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Emergence delirium in children is still considered as a mysterious complication occurring after pediatric anesthesia. Although the pharmacology of fast-acting volatile agent is highly suspected in the genesis of this complication, no strong evidence has been published to support this hypothesis. This review summarizes the recent findings concerning this complication. ⋯ Emergence delirium in children is a frequent but preventable complication. Strategies for prevention and therapy include particularly pain management and medication with alpha-2 agonists.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2014
ReviewCurrent management of von Willebrand disease and von Willebrand syndrome.
Anesthesiologists frequently care for patients with altered hemostasis and coagulation. Where a clear history of familial and personal bleeding exists, a thoughtful plan can be developed in advance to manage the issue perioperatively. However, in some cases, it may not be known that the patient has a disorder until excessive bleeding is noted during or after surgery. Recognition of the issue and appropriate targeted therapy are the keys to successful management. ⋯ The mainstay of the diagnosis of vWD is laboratory testing. Preoperative clinical assessment and a high level of suspicion are often effective to alert the anesthesiologist to the possibility of vWS, thus allowing for appropriate testing and potential prophylaxis in elective situations, as well as appropriately targeted therapy of unexpected bleeding when a hemostatic derangement was not anticipated preoperatively.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2014
ReviewTrends in healthcare and the role of the anesthesiologist in the perioperative surgical home - the US perspective.
Although advances in science are important, changes in population structure and developments in health policy have equally critical roles in shaping the future of anesthesia practice. Therefore, it is important for anesthesiologists to be aware of these trends and their implications. ⋯ Global demographic and health policy trends are calling for new models of healthcare delivery. Anesthesiologists have much experience in the fields of risk assessment and quality improvement. They are well positioned to become leaders in the perioperative care environment of the future.
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Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) has a high incidence in children and requires prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. ⋯ Concluding from the existing guidelines and data on the handling of PONV in children at least 3 years, the following recommendations are given: outpatients undergoing small procedures should receive a single prophylaxis, outpatients at high risk a double prophylaxis, inpatients with surgery time of more than 30 min and use of postoperative opioids should get double prophylaxis, and inpatients receiving a high-risk surgical procedure or with other risk factors a triple prophylaxis (two drugs and total intravenous anesthesia). Dimenhydrinate can be used as a second choice, whereas droperidol and metoclopramide can only be recommended as rescue therapy.