American journal of therapeutics
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A randomized double blind study to evaluate efficacy of palonosetron with dexamethasone versus palonosetron alone for prevention of postoperative and postdischarge nausea and vomiting in subjects undergoing laparoscopic surgeries with high emetogenic risk.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV) are common occurrences (50%-80%) after laparoscopic surgery. Palonosetron (Pal), the newest 5-HT3 antagonist, is an effective antiemetic that has advantages in treating PDNV due to its prolonged duration of action. We hypothesized that a combination of Pal and dexamethazone (Dex) could further improve the efficacy of the treatment in comparison to Pal alone in patients at high risk for PONV. ⋯ The Pal + Dex group showed a trend toward greater satisfaction on the QOL- Functional Living Index-Emesis scores with the greatest differences in the "nausea domain". The combination therapy of palonosetron + dexamethasone did not reduce the incidence of PONV or PDNV when compared with palonosetron alone. There was no change in comparative efficacy over 72 hours, most likely due to the low incidence of PDNV in both groups.
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Pulmonary hypertension is a condition that can result in serious complications in patients undergoing any type of anesthesia during the perioperative period. By definition, pulmonary artery hypertension is caused by a persistent rise in mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg with Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≤ 15 mm Hg or exercise mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥35 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance ≥ 3 wood unit's. The severity of the complications depends on the severity of the underlying condition, other comorbidities, and type of procedure, anesthetic technique, and anesthetic drugs. In this article, we briefly review the pulmonary vascular physiology, pathophysiology of the disease, clinical assessment and diagnosis, treatment options, and the anesthetic management of these patients.
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Poisoning is a leading cause cause for injury and death in pediatric patients. For this reason, β-blocker ingestion has been an indication for emergency department (ED) referral and evaluation in pediatric patients even though significant clinical effects are uncommonly reported. We sought to determine whether an evidence-based triage guideline developed jointly by the American Association of Poison Control Centers, American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, and American College of Medical Toxicology safely reduces unnecessary pediatric ED visits after unintentional small dose β-blocker overdose. ⋯ No deaths occurred in either group. The triage guideline was accurately followed by poison center staff in 96% of cases after implementation. An out-of-hospital triage guideline for pediatric β-blocker overdose was accurately followed by poison center staff and safely reduced unnecessary ED referrals with a 50% increase in home observation.