Current opinion in anaesthesiology
-
Early warning scores, early warning systems and rapid response systems, were established in 1999. In the UK, a National Early Warning Score was launched in 2013 and is now used throughout the National Health Service. In 2007, a firm recommendation was made by the maternal confidential death enquiry that maternity units should incorporate a modified early obstetric warning score chart into clinical practice. Although there was enthusiastic uptake of this recommendation, local recording systems vary throughout the country and there is now a need to revisit revise and standardize an obstetric early warning system (ObsEWS). ⋯ A greater focus and study on the management of maternal morbidity (in addition to mortality data) and the development of better systems within and across the multidisciplinary team to detect early deterioration should improve management of serious illness in obstetrics. It is imperative that we undertake robust ObsEWS and data collection, including electronic systems with research and evidence-based recommendations to underpin this system. This should improve patient safety and result in more efficient, cost-effective management of sicker patients in our complex modern healthcare systems.
-
Nonobstetric anesthesia during pregnancy is challenging - not only for the anesthetist. Owing to the difficulties of ethical consent for randomized studies in this special patient group, the available evidence is quite low. Nevertheless, recently several guidelines for the management of pregnant patients undergoing nonobstetric anesthesia have been published. We review the current guidelines developed under the auspices of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, guidelines for the management of difficult and failed tracheal intubation in obstetrics, as well as guidelines for the management of a pregnant trauma patient. ⋯ Several guidelines with high relevance for the care of pregnant women undergoing nonobstetric surgery have been published. Although the level of evidence may be low they can probably contribute to an improvement in the care and outcome of this patient group.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2016
ReviewSurgical treatment of craniosynostosis in infants: open vs closed repair.
Correction of craniosynostosis may require extensive surgical interventions with related intra and postoperative complications especially hemorrhage. To reduce the intervention's impact and associated complications, less invasive surgical alternatives have evolved. The present review comprehensively summarizes surgical techniques, perioperative anesthesia management, success rates, complications, the results of outcome evaluations, and predictors of intra and postoperative complications. ⋯ Neuroendoscopic techniques, designed to minimize surgical incision, dissection, and blood loss, are becoming efficacious and valuable alternative therapeutic options reducing the need for fluid replacement and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Since hemorrhage represents the most important complication in open craniosynostosis repair, prevention strategies such as the use of tranexamic acid should be considered. Sufficient correction of entailed coagulopathies is crucial.
-
This article reviews our current understanding of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), specifically the pathogenesis, treatment strategies, potential diagnostic tests and future therapeutic interventions for AFE. ⋯ AFE is a devastating obstetric complication that requires early and aggressive intervention with optimal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as hemorrhage and coagulopathy management. Biomarkers offer promise to aid the diagnosis of AFE, and immunomodulation may provide future therapeutic interventions to treat this lethal condition.
-
Purpose of review is to summarize and highlight recent advances in the management of pregnant patients with pulmonary hypertension. ⋯ Anesthesiologists involved in the management of pregnant patients with pulmonary hypertension must have detailed knowledge of pathophysiological alterations in pregnancy and during birth, cardiac (patho)physiology, cardiovascular and obstetric pharmacology, hemodynamic monitoring, and echocardiography. Both regional and general anesthesia have typical adverse effects that can severely jeopardize the cardiovascular system in patients with pulmonary hypertension, and should therefore be anticipated/prevented/rapidly treated by the attending anesthesiologist.