Anaesthesia
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Review Meta Analysis
The effect of ondansetron on the efficacy of postoperative tramadol: a systematic review and meta-analysis of a drug interaction.
It is likely that there is an interaction between tramadol and ondansetron that decreases the early-postoperative analgesic efficacy of tramadol.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Introduction of an algorithm for ROTEM-guided fibrinogen concentrate administration in major obstetric haemorrhage.
We compared blood component requirements during major obstetric haemorrhage, following the introduction of fibrinogen concentrate. A prospective study of transfusion requirements and patient outcomes was performed for 12 months to evaluate the major obstetric haemorrhage pathway using shock packs (Shock Pack phase). The study was repeated after the pathway was amended to include fibrinogen concentrate (Fibrinogen phase). ⋯ The median (IQR [range]) quantity of fibrinogen administered was significantly greater in the Shock Pack phase, 3.2 (0-7.1 [0-20.4]) g, than in the Fibrinogen phase, 0 (0-3.0 [0-12.4]) g, p = 0.0005. Four (9.5%) of 42 patients in the Shock Pack phase developed transfusion associated circulatory overload compared with none of 51 patients in the Fibrinogen phase (p = 0.038). Fibrinogen concentrate allows prompt correction of coagulation deficits associated with major obstetric haemorrhage, reducing the requirement for blood component therapy and the attendant risks of complications.
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Biography Historical Article
Nikolay Ivanovich Pirogov: a surgeon's contribution to military and civilian anaesthesia.
A key figure in the development of anaesthesia in Russia was the surgeon Nikolay Ivanovich Pirogov (1810-1881). He experimented with ether and chloroform and organised the general introduction of anaesthesia in Russia for patients undergoing surgery. He was the first to perform systematic research into anaesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. More specifically, he was one of the first to administer ether anaesthesia on the battlefield, where the principles of military medicine that he established remained virtually unchanged until the outbreak of the Second World War.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of the C-MAC(®) and GlideScope(®) videolaryngoscopes in patients with cervical spine disorders and immobilisation.
In-line stabilisation of the neck can increase the difficulty of tracheal intubation with direct laryngoscopy. We randomly assigned 56 patients with cervical spine pathology scheduled for elective surgery to tracheal intubation using either the C-MAC(®) (n = 26) or GlideScope(®) (n = 30), when the head and neck were stabilised in-line. There was no significant difference in the median (IQR [range]) intubation times between the C-MAC (19 (14-35 [9-90]) s and the GlideScope (23, (15-32 [8-65]) s. ⋯ The laryngeal view was excellent and comparable with both devices, with the C-MAC requiring significantly more attempts and optimising manoeuvers (11 vs 5, respectively, p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in postoperative complaints e.g. sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia. Both devices provided an excellent glottic view in patients with cervical spine immobilisation, but tracheal intubation was more often successful on the first attempt with the GlideScope.
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It is important to detect and treat hypovolaemia; however, detection is particularly challenging in the conscious, spontaneously breathing patient. Eight healthy male volunteers were monitored using four minimally invasive monitors: Vigileo FloTrac(™) ; LiDCOrapid(™) ; USCOM 1A; and CardioQ(™) oesophageal Doppler. ⋯ Receiver operator characteristic curves for predicting > 10% blood loss had areas under the curve of 0.68-0.82. The minimally invasive cardiac output devices tested can detect blood loss by a reduction in stroke volume in awake volunteers, and may have a role in guiding fluid replacement in conscious patients with suspected hypovolaemia.