Anaesthesia
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Patients presenting with vascular emergencies including acute aortic syndrome, ruptured thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms, thoracic aortic trauma and acute lower limb ischaemia have a high risk of peri-operative morbidity and mortality. Although anatomical suitability is not universal, endovascular surgery may improve mortality and the results of ongoing randomised controlled trials are awaited. ⋯ Cerebrospinal fluid drainage for prevention of paraplegia is often impractical in the emergency setting and is not backed by strong evidence; however, it should be considered postoperatively if symptoms develop. We discuss the pertinent anaesthetic issues when a patient presents with a vascular emergency and the impact that endovascular repair has on anaesthetic management.
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Major trauma is a leading cause of death and disability in the UK, particularly in the young. Pre-hospital emergency medicine (PHEM) involves provision of immediate medical care to critically ill and injured patients, across all age ranges, often in environments that may be remote and are not only physically challenging but also limited in terms of time and resources. PHEM is now a GMC-recognised subspecialty of anaesthesia or emergency medicine and the first recognised training program in the UK commenced in August 2012. This article discusses subspeciality development in PHEM, the competency based framework for training in PHEM, and the provision of pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia.
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The consumption of illicit substances represents a considerable threat to the health and wellbeing of particular sectors of our communities. Hospitalisation is sometimes required for the treatment of the direct toxic effects of the drugs as well as for injuries sustained while under their influence. Although poisoning with 'traditional' substances of abuse such as opioids, cocaine and cannabis still predominate in terms of numbers, the availability and use of new psychoactive substances are on the rise. ⋯ These drugs may act by enhancing endogenous release of neurotransmitters, inhibiting their reuptake back into neurons or having direct effects on receptors, and may involve adrenergic, dopaminergic or serotonergic systems. The use of intravenous lipid emulsion for the symptomatic treatment of drug overdose has become a fertile ground for research and may hold promise as a non-specific treatment for poisoning with illicit substances. Dexmedetomidine, an α(2)-receptor agonist with a central sympatholytic effect, may be able to counteract the cardiovascular and central nervous system overstimulation that may accompany stimulant toxicity.
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Letter Case Reports
Localised reaction following Patent Blue V and morphine injections.