Der Anaesthesist
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The risks and benefits of epinephrine given during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are controversially discussed. Animal experiments revealed beta-receptor-mediated adverse effects of epinephrine such as increased myocardial oxygen consumption, ventricular arrhythmia, ventilation-perfusion defects, and cardiac failure in the postresuscitation phase. In clinical studies, high-dose vs. standard-dose epinephrine was unable to improve resuscitation success. ⋯ For CPR of adults with shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation, 40 units AVP or 1 mg epinephrine is recommended (class 2B); patients with asystole or pulseless electrical activity should be resuscitated with epinephrine. AVP is not recommended for adult cardiac arrest patients with asystole or pulseless electrical activity; or pediatric cardiac arrest patients due to a lack of clinical data. Until definitive data about AVP vs. epinephrine effects during CPR are available, the present state of knowledge should be interpreted that two vasopressors are available for use instead of one.
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This paper reviews the pathophysiological processes occurring after contact of blood with artificial surfaces during continuous haemofiltration and the predominant role of platelets in the genesis of extracorporeal thrombosis. A basic prerequisite for effective renal replacement therapy is adequate anticoagulation in order to inhibit activation of coagulation and to avoid haemofilter clotting. Antithrombotic regimens controlling plasma coagulation activation and platelet-surface interactions, as well as methods of coagulation monitoring are reviewed. ⋯ Heparinoids and hirudine are indicated in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia II. In patients at risk for thromboembolism, regional citrate anticoagulation may be beneficial. Performing continuous haemofiltration without antithrombotic therapy is not recommended.
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Glucocorticoids are frequently used in clinical anaesthesiology and intensive care because of their antiallergic, antiinflammatory and antioedematous properties and anaphylactic reactions are rare. We report on a 62-year-old asthmatic patient with evidence of aspirin sensitivity. We administered 100 mg of hydrocortisone-21-hemisuccinate (Pharmacia & Upjohn, Erlangen, Germany) dissolved in 100 ml 0.9% sodium chloride solution for perioperative corticoid substitution. ⋯ He then developed atrioventricular block type III for which we transcutaneously paced the patient. Subsequently he was tested via skin prick tests, intracutaneous tests and i.v.-challenges resulting in the patient having positive reactions to hydrocortisone-21-hemisuccinate. Thus when allergic-like reactions result from glucocorticoid therapy one should consider corticoid allergy as a differential diagnosis.