Der Anaesthesist
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Recent studies and reviews continue to report a high mortality associated with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which involves a severe inflammatory reaction within the whole lung that is frequently associated with multiple-organ failure. Important factors contributing to the poor results in severe ARDS are the aggressive procedures required to maintain sufficient arterial oxygenation, such as mechanical ventilation with high inspiratory pressures and high inspired oxygen concentrations (FiO2) which themselves contribute to the progression of the disease. As no specific therapy that reduces or prevents the general inflammatory reaction is known, current therapy is limited to procedures that minimize peak inspiratory pressures and FiO2. ⋯ From April 1989 to August 1993, 89 patients were transferred to our intensive care unit for treatment of severe ARDS; 52 were treated by combining the described conventional methods without artificial gas exchange (survival rate 88%) and 37 additionally underwent artificial gas exchange (survival rate 57%). The overall survival rate was 75%. On the basis of these experiences, we conclude that this step-by-step approach may improve survival in patients with severe ARDS.
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There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Type I, insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), which becomes manifest before the age of 40, is the result of an absolute deficiency of insulin. Type II, the non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), develops in the elderly and is caused by a relative insulin deficiency. ⋯ For hyperglycaemia and acidosis insulin (3-6 U.h-1) with 10-20 mmol.h-1 potassium phosphate is given. Bicarbonate is only indicated when the serum pH is lower than 7.1. It must be borne in mind that perioperative management of diabetes does not end with postanaesthesia care.