Der Anaesthesist
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In August 2000, the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council published the conclusions of the International Guidelines 2000 Conference on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care which contains both the new recommendations and an in-depth review. The discussions and drafting began at a conference in March 1999, followed by a second conference in September 1999, both attended by approx. 250 participants and another conference in February 2000 which was attended by approx. 500 participants. Review of the current state of science, discussion and final consensus continued subsequently via email, conference calls, fax, and personal conversation. ⋯ In order to ensure that the CPR recomendations are not dominated by any given nation or resuscitation council, most topics were reviewed and interpretated by two scientists from the United States and two scientists from outside of the United States. Accordingly, changes in these new CPR recommendations are the result of an evidence-based review by worldwide experts. The most important changes in the recommendations according to the authors are discontinuation of the pulse-check for lay people, 500 ml instead of 800-1200 ml tidal volume during bag-valve-mask ventilation (FiO2 > 0.4) of a patient with an unprotected airway, verifying correct endotracheal intubation with capnography and an esophageal detector, employing mechanical devices such as interposed abdominal compression CPR, vest CPR, active-compression-decompression CPR, and the inspiratory threshold valve (ITV) CPR as alternatives or adjuncts to standard manual chest compressions, defibrillation with < 200 Joule biphasic instead of with 200-360 Joule monophasic impulses, vasopressin (40 units) and epinephrine (1 mg) as comparable drugs to treat patients with ventricular fibrillation, amiodarone (300 mg) for shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation and intravenous lysis for patients who have suffered a stroke.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid-ethanolamide (LK 544). The suitability of LK 544 for sedation of patients in intensive care in comparison with midazolam].
In this phase 2 study gammahydroxybutyric acid-ethanolamide (GHB-ethanolamide) was compared with midazolam for sedation of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). GHB-ethanolamide is a new derivative of gammahydroxybutyric acid, a drug commonly used for sedation in intensive care patients. ⋯ GHB-ethanolamide produces adequate sedation for extubated and spontaneously breathing ICU patients. The drug might be safer than midazolam with regards to side effects such as respiratory depression.
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The interscalene brachial plexus block with and without a catheter has become an indispensable method for anaesthesia and analgesia in shoulder surgery. Not only thorough knowledge of anatomy, but also accurate indication assessment and discussion with the surgeon regarding the location of access, is essential for the successful practice of this technique. Important and practical tips for implementation should especially help the less experienced, with special emphasis on correct positioning of the patient for surgery to avoid iatrogenic neural damage. Preoperative counselling of inevitable side-effects of the technique enhances the patient's acceptance and satisfaction.