Journal of anesthesia
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Journal of anesthesia · Dec 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialAntiemetic effect of naloxone in combination with dexamethasone and droperidol in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery.
We examined the effects of dexamethasone, droperidol, naloxone, and a combination of these three agents on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in female patients. ⋯ A combination of naloxone, droperidol, and dexamethasone was effective for preventing PONV in patients receiving fentanyl for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic gynecological surgery, although further investigations are required to examine the effect of adding naloxone to other antiemetics.
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Journal of anesthesia · Dec 2013
Early postoperative cognitive dysfunction is associated with higher cortisol levels in aged patients following hip fracture surgery.
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between plasma cortisol levels and the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in aged patients following hip fracture surgery. A total of 175 patients, aged 65 years or older, who were scheduled for hip fracture surgery with spinal anesthesia were enrolled. Perioperative plasma levels of cortisol and neurocognitive tests were determined at 1 day preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively. ⋯ Furthermore, plasma cortisol levels were negatively correlated with mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores at 7 days postoperatively (P < 0.0001). A specificity of 93 % and a sensitivity of 35 % were identified for the plasma cortisol measurement to discriminate POCD patients from non-POCD patients. The results suggest higher plasma cortisol levels are associated with POCD in aged patients following hip fracture surgery with spinal anesthesia.
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Journal of anesthesia · Dec 2013
Bispectral index predicts deaths within 2 weeks in coma patients, a better predictor than serum neuron-specific enolase or S100 protein.
We assessed the ability of bispectral index (BIS) to predict clinical outcome (dead or alive within 2 weeks). ⋯ Bispectral index values may reflect degree of brain injury, and BIS is an objective and noninvasive monitoring method for helping clinicians to predict death in patients with a BIS value ≤32.5.
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Although rare, a change in visual acuity after surgery for nonocular procedures has devastating consequences. Increased recognition and discussion of this complication is reported in recent literature, most notably following spinal and cardiac surgery. ⋯ Here we review the incidence of the problem, the anatomy and physiology of the ocular circulation, variants of POVL, and proposed predisposing factors. Potential perioperative methods to prevent this complication are discussed, and suggested treatment modalities are presented.
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Journal of anesthesia · Dec 2013
ReviewAnesthetic management of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with an incidence of 1.5-2.5 for 100 000 per year, is a rare but rapid progression neuromuscular degeneration disorder that poses unique perioperatively challenges to clinical anesthesiologists. The progressive degeneration of motor neurons causes a constellation of symptoms, including muscular weakness, atrophy, fasciculations, spasticity, and hyperreflexia. Therapeutic and experimental treatments, including riluzole, beta lactams, methylcobalamin, dexpramipexole, antiepileptics, antioxidant agents, neutrophin, antiinflammatory agents, and antiapoptosis drugs, are described. ⋯ Because of the inherent muscle weakness and associated respiratory insufficiency, certain precautions must be utilized during anesthetic care of ALS patients. In particular, certain neuromuscular agents are contraindicated and anesthetics that leave the body more rapidly present logical and attractive options in this population. A solid understanding of the disease process, therapeutic interventions, and anesthesia considerations are all paramount for the successful management of a patient with ALS in the perioperative setting.