Der Anaesthesist
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In 2018 Germany had the lowest rate of post-mortem organ donation in the Eurotransplant network. Healthcare trainees and students will be important advisors on organ donation for patients in the future. This study aimed to examine 1) attitudes and knowledge about post-mortem organ donation, 2) how past transplantation scandals have affected those attitudes and 3) how satisfied respondents were with the knowledge provided on the courses. ⋯ Given the knowledge gaps identified and the respondents' dissatisfaction with the knowledge they received, organ donation should be better integrated into curricula and training programs.
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Due to a high heterogeneity and dynamic changes in the course of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), intensive care physicians are faced with extraordinary challenges. While the current definition, pathophysiology and differential diagnoses were previously addressed in this journal, this article focuses on some specific and individualized treatment options. ⋯ In recent years it has become increasingly evident that prone positioning, early spontaneous breathing and early mobilization improve the course of the disease. Therefore, an individualized treatment should consider these issues and take the characteristics of the patient and the specific disease progression into account.
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Perioperative phases of hypotension are associated with an increase in postoperative complications and organ damage. Whereas some years ago hemodynamic stabilization was primarily carried out by volume supplementation, in recent years the use and dosing of cardiovascular-active substances has significantly increased. But like intravascular volume therapy, also substances with a cardiovascular effect have therapeutic margins, and thus, potential side effects. ⋯ Special attention is paid to the question how to administrate them: central venous catheter vs. peripheral indwelling venous cannula. The authors come to the conclusion that it is not a question of whether it is principally allowed to apply cardiovascular-active drugs via peripheral veins but more importantly, what should be taken into consideration if a peripheral venous access is used. This article provides concise recommendations.