British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Double-blind comparison of topical lignocaine-prilocaine cream (EMLA) and lignocaine infiltration for arterial cannulation in adults.
In a double-blind, double-dummy study, the efficacy of topical 5% EMLA cream was compared with that of lignocaine infiltration in alleviating the pain of arterial cannulation. Forty unpremedicated adults were allocated randomly to four groups to receive EMLA cream alone, EMLA and 0.9% saline infiltration, EMLA and 1% lignocaine infiltration or placebo cream and 1% lignocaine infiltration. ⋯ Significantly lower pain scores were observed in all patients receiving EMLA compared with those receiving placebo cream and lignocaine infiltration by both patient (P less than 0.01) and observer (P less than 0.001) assessments. There were no significant differences between the three EMLA groups.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Measurement of entrainment ratio during high frequency jet ventilation.
We have measured tidal (VT), entrained (Ve) and "blowback" (Vbb) volumes during high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) through a Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo Jet tracheal tube in anaesthetized patients. The above volumes were calculated by digital integration of the appropriate regions of flow curves derived from a pneumotachograph placed between the bias flow tubing and the tracheal tube. ⋯ Blowback volumes were considerable, especially at ventilatory frequencies used clinically (1-2 Hz). We conclude that it is not possible to entrain predictable concentrations of volatile agents from the low pressure bias flow during HFJV.
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Systemic mastocytosis is an uncommon disorder of mast cell proliferation in connective tissues. Mast cell degranulation may occur on exposure to various stimuli and drugs. ⋯ Intradermal skin testing is useful in predicting the sensitivity to drugs that may be used during anaesthesia. We present a patient with systemic mastocytosis who underwent uneventful cholecystectomy.
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Myocardial infarction is encountered rarely during pregnancy, but when it occurs the event is life-threatening to both mother and fetus. Data on maternal and fetal outcome are limited, but overall maternal mortality approaches 35%, and 40% of deaths occur during the third trimester. We present a case of myocardial infarction occurring at 38 weeks gestation, and discuss the anaesthetic management of the problems encountered during labour and delivery.
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Successful tracheal intubation with the flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope requires a certain amount of skill which is acquired by practice. It has been suggested that the new Bullard laryngoscope may be mastered more easily. ⋯ The Bullard laryngoscope was as easy to master as the flexible fibreoptic device, but passage of the tracheal tube took longer. Both devices require a similar amount of practice.