Der Anaesthesist
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Knowledge about the incidence of errors in anaesthesia and intensive care is only rudimentary but it appears justified to assume that errors occur much more often than we all expect. One reason is most likely the complexity of our work. ⋯ The article summarizes several methods to identify errors within a health care system and strengthens the importance of error analysis to reduce its incidence. Results of an analysis should be published if they are of general interest.
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Review Meta Analysis
[Combined analgesics for postoperative pain therapy. Review of effectivity and side-effects].
The supplementation of an opioid by a non-opioid analgesic is a widely accepted technique for the treatment of postoperative pain. However, it is still unclear whether a combination of different non-opioids has an advantage in terms of an improved analgesia and/or a reduction of the opioid-related adverse effects. ⋯ A combination of non-opioid analgesics, in particular NSAIDs with paracetamol, cannot be recommended at present due to the lack of data showing improved effectiveness.
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Remifentanil is a synthetic opioid derivate with an agonist activity at mu-opioid receptors. The pharmacokinetic profile differs from other synthetic opioids. Remifentanil is rapidly metabolised by unspecific blood and tissue esterases and the metabolites have almost no intrinsic activity. ⋯ This review provides a comprehensive summary of basic and clinical research concerning the intraoperative use of remifentanil and postoperative pain therapy. The relative contribution of rapid degradation and withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia to postoperative pain will be discussed. In addition, this review attempts to identify potential clinical implications and treatment strategies.
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Case Reports
[Vasopressin as a rescue vasopressor agent. Treatment of selected cardiogenic shock states].
Vasodilatory shock is the most common form of shock in the critically ill patient. As a consequence of overwhelming and prolonged mediator production, vasodilatory shock can be the common final pathway of primary non-vasodilatory shock (e.g. cardiogenic or hypovolemic shock). ⋯ The hemodynamic effects of AVP were comparable to those AVP-induced alterations described in septic shock and seem to be predominantly mediated by potent vasoconstriction and the facilitated reduction of higher, potentially toxic catecholamine doses. Thus, an AVP-induced decrease in heart rate and pulmonary arterial pressures may be particularly beneficial in patients with impaired cardiac function.
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In only a few contexts is the need for substantial learning more pronounced than in health care. For a health care provider, the ability to learn is essential in a changing environment. Although individual humans are programmed to learn naturally, organisations are not. ⋯ Learning organisations move beyond simple employee training into organisational problem solving, innovation and learning. Therefore, teamwork and leadership are necessary. Successful organisations change the competencies of individuals, the systems, the organisation, the strategy and the culture.