Current opinion in critical care
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This review provides insight into recent clinical studies involving septic peri-operative patients and highlights gaps in understanding fluid management. The aim is to enhance the understanding of safe fluid resuscitation to optimize peri-operative outcomes and reduce complications. ⋯ Optimization of peri-operative fluid management is crucial for improving surgical outcomes and reducing postoperative complications in patients with sepsis. Individualized and GDFT using BS is the preferred approach for fluid resuscitation in septic peri-operative patients. Future research should evaluate the interaction between clinical anaesthesia and EG, its implications on fluid resuscitation, and the impact of GDFT in septic peri-operative patients.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2024
ReviewIs tranexamic acid appropriate for all patients undergoing high-risk surgery?
Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, reduces surgical bleeding in a variety of procedures, such as cardiac, orthopedic, abdominal, and urologic surgery, cesarean section, and neurosurgery. However, there are surgical interventions for which its use is not yet widespread, and some caution persists because of concerns regarding thrombotic risk. The purpose of this review is to analyze the most recent evidence in various subgroups of surgical specialties and the association of TXA with thrombotic events and other side effects (e.g. seizures). ⋯ Wider use of TXA has the potential to improve surgical safety, avoid unnecessary blood use, and save healthcare funds.
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To provide an overview of the current diagnostic criteria for acute kidney injury (AKI) including their limitations and to discuss prevention and treatment approaches in the perioperative setting. ⋯ Evidence suggests that the implementation of supportive measures in patients at high risk for AKI might reduce the occurrence of AKI. Novel biomarkers can help allocating resources by detecting patients at high risk for AKI.
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Airway management is one of the most challenging aspects in the field of anesthesia. This is also the case when an emergency airway situation arises in the postoperative patient. These airway procedures are often classified as advanced with high complexity. This article aims to address emergency airway management in the post anesthesia care unit. ⋯ This article focuses on emergency airway management in the post anesthesia-care unit. A questionnaire for risk assessment and improvement of quality of care is presented. Different types of emergencies are discussed, i.e., due to medication, medical conditions (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary problems, stridor), procedural related emergencies (e.g., neurosurgery, head and neck surgery) and cardiac arrest. Each specific cause of emergency needs a different approach. A PACU airway rescue flowchart is presented.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2024
ReviewManual mastery vs. mechanized magic: current opinions on manual vs. mechanical chest compressions.
Mechanical chest compression devices are increasingly deployed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We discuss the data supporting the use of mechanical chest compression devices during cardiac arrest and provide an opinion about the future of the technology. ⋯ Mechanical chest compression devices offer a solution to some of the human limiting factors of resuscitation, but have failed to demonstrate meaningful improvement in outcomes from cardiac arrest. Routine use of mechanical chest compression devices during cardiac arrest is not supported by evidence.