Der Anaesthesist
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Oxygen (O(2)) is the most frequently used pharmaceutical in anesthesiology and intensive care medicine: Every patient receives O(2) during surgery or during a stay in the intensive care unit. Hypoxia and hypoxemia of various origins are the most typical indications which are mentioned in the prescribing information of O(2): the goal of the administration of O(2) is either an increase of arterial O(2) partial pressure in order to treat hypoxia, or an increase of arterial O(2) content in order to treat hypoxemia. Most of the indications for O(2) administration were developed in former times and have seldom been questioned from that time on as the short-term side-effects of O(2) are usually considered to be of minor importance. ⋯ However, there is an emerging body of evidence that specific side-effects of O(2) result in a deterioration of the microcirculation. The administration of O(2) induces arteriolar constriction which will initiate a decline of regional O(2) delivery and subsequently a decline of tissue oxygenation. The aim of the manuscript presented is to discuss the significance of O(2) as a pharmaceutical in the clinical setting.
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Postpartum onset of eclampsia and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome is a rare but life-threatening complication for both mother and fetus. A case of a 38-year-old parturient (gravida 2, para 1) who was asymptomatic prior to delivery is reported. Emergency caesarean section had to be performed due to sudden onset of fetal bradycardia as a result of partial placental separation. ⋯ A differentiation between a rapid drop in hemoglobin concentration secondary to hemolysis in postpartum HELLP syndrome rather than postpartum hemorrhage can be challenging. In addition, HELLP syndrome can lead to rapidly developing, fulminant hyperfibrinolysis in the context of DIC. Keys to successful management of postpartum gestosis and associated complications are early detection and perception of clinical and laboratory warning signs, a multidisciplinary approach with rapid and consistent targeted symptomatic therapy to save the mother and fetus.