Anaesthesia
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Comparative Study
Monitoring of haemostasis in liver transplantation: comparison of laboratory based and point of care tests.
During orthotopic liver transplanatation haemostasis is often disturbed and coagulation monitoring is mandatory. We compared the results obtained by whole blood prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time assays (Hemochron) and thrombelastometry (ROTEM) 05) with laboratory coagulation assays (prothrombin time, activated partial prothrombin time, fibrinogen, and platelet count) in samples obtained during orthotopic liver transplantations. ⋯ Maximum clot firmness as determined by thrombelastometry correlated well with platelet count (r = 0.779, p < 0.001) and, to a lesser degree, with fibrinogen concentration (r = 0.590, p < 0.001). During orthotopic liver transplantation, prothrombin time and activated partial prothrombin time can be reliably determined by the Hemochron device, while thrombelastometry allows assessment of platelet count and fibrinogen concentration.
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The aim of this study was to validate a novel inexpensive training device as a means of improving the psychomotor skills involved in the manipulation of a fibreoptic endoscope. Seventy-five subjects attempted to pass a fibreoptic endoscope through the device five times, with each attempt timed to the nearest second. ⋯ Qualitative feedback indicated that the device required subjects to use similar skills to those used in clinical practice. This study supports the use of such a device in training and assessment although further studies will be required to determine whether the skills learned on the device can be transferred to the clinical environment.
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Case Reports
Unrecognised dural puncture resulting in subdural hygroma and cortical vein thrombosis.
Unrecognised dural punctures are difficult to diagnose early. Failure of recognition may lead to sinister consequences. A case of unrecognised dural puncture in a young female leading to the development of subdural hygroma and cortical vein thrombosis is presented. The dilemma in the diagnosis of headache in such patients along with the significance of follow-up of all, including attempted, epidurals is also discussed.
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The aim of this study was to compare conventional laryngeal mask airway sizing by weight with sizing by age in over- or underweight children. We studied 26 overweight (body mass index > 85th centile) and 26 underweight (body mass index < 15th centile) children. ⋯ On the other hand in underweight children, it was significantly greater when sized by the ideal weight. In conclusion, laryngeal mask airway sizing according to the manufacturer's weight-based recommendation is to be preferred in overweight children, but laryngeal mask airway size by an ideal weight estimated from the patient's age is a better choice in underweight children.
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Case Reports
Peri-operative management of a patient with hereditary angioedema undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic disorder resulting from an inherited deficiency or dysfunction of the C1-esterase inhibitor of the classic complement pathway. It is characterised by recurrent episodes of angioedema, without urticaria or pruritus, most often affecting the skin or the mucosal tissues of the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. We describe the peri-operative care of a woman with hereditary angioedema undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with emphasis on the role of anaesthetists as peri-operative physicians.