Anaesthesia
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The classical 'cascade/waterfall' hypothesis formulated to explain in vitro coagulation organised the amplification processes into the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Recent molecular biology and clinical data indicate that tissue factor/factor-VII interaction is the primary cellular initiator of coagulation in vivo. ⋯ Tissue factor is also a signalling receptor. Recent evidence has shown that blood-borne tissue factor has an important procoagulant function in sepsis, atherosclerosis and cancer, and other functions beyond haemostasis such as immune function and metastases.
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We evaluated the near-infrared spectroscopy based tissue haemoglobin index for continuous non-invasive monitoring of haemoglobin concentration during paediatric surgery. Blood samples from 40 children (from birth to 16 years old) were analysed oximetrically. ⋯ Sensitivity and specificity of tissue haemoglobin index were 73.1% and 70.0%, respectively, for predicting falling haemoglobin concentration values. Currently, the tissue haemoglobin index is not suitable for monitoring haemoglobin concentration in children undergoing surgery.
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In the United Kingdom, cricoid force is central to upper airway management in obstetric and emergency anaesthesia. A reduction in oesophageal barrier pressure (OBP) in these patients may increase regurgitation risk. This study investigated whether the application of cricoid force to anaesthetised patients reduced lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LOSP) and consequently OBP. ⋯ Oesophageal barrier pressure was calculated as the difference between LOSP and gastric pressure. Application of cricoid force significantly reduced OBP without influencing gastric pressure (p < 0.001). The use of cricoid force may increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux in anaesthetised patients.