Der Anaesthesist
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Fluid optimization is a major contributor to improved outcome in patients. Unfortunately, anesthesiologists are often in doubt whether an additional fluid bolus will improve the hemodynamics of the patient or not as excess fluid may even jeopardize the condition. ⋯ The dPP cutoff value of 13% to predict fluid responsiveness is presented together with several assessment techniques of dPP. Finally, confounding variables on dPP measurements, such as ventilation parameters, pneumoperitoneum and use of norepinephrine are also mentioned.
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In the German emergency medical system (EMS) obstetrical emergencies are rarely encountered, but are highly emotional situations for all concerned and form a special challenge for the emergency physician. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, the course and the performance of rescue missions in a ground-based EMS system. ⋯ Obstetrical emergencies are rare but recurrent in the ground-based EMS. However, prehospital management of women in labor, supervision of spontaneous prehospital delivery and the initial management of a newborn form a challenge for the emergency physician responsible. Consequently, prehospital management of obstetrical emergencies needs intensive consideration during education and training of emergency medical personnel.
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Case Reports
[Methemoglobin intoxication by prilocaine in EMLA. Accidental intoxication of an infant with scald injuries].
The case of an infant who had received EMLA(R) for local pain therapy after scalding to 5% of the body surface with boiling water is reported. Due to the application of EMLA(R) on the injured skin and exceeding the recommended doses of prilocaine and lidocaine the child developed symptomatic methemoglobinemia. ⋯ With a symptomatic therapy including mechanical ventilation and anticonvulsive drugs the methemoglobinemia normalized within 9 h. The child recovered without any neurological impairment after wound treatment was completed.
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In November 2005 a complex, multimodal anesthesia fast-track protocol (FTP) was introduced for elective cardiac surgery patients in the Cardiac Center of the University of Leipzig which included changing from an opioid regime to remifentanil and postoperative treatment in a special post-anesthesia recovery and care unit. The goal was to speed up recovery times while maintaining safety and improving costs. ⋯ The Leipzig fast-track protocol for cardio-anesthesia including the central elements of switching opiate therapy to remifentanil and switching patient recovery to a special post-anesthesia recovery and care unit, shortened therapy times, is safe and economically effective.