British journal of anaesthesia
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
In vivo investigation into the effects of haemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch (200/0.5) and normal saline on coagulation.
We have investigated the effects of haemodilution with either saline or hydroxyethyl starch (200/0.5) (HES) on blood coagulation in healthy volunteers in vivo. Standard haematological tests (packed cell volume (PCV), platelets, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, antithrombin III, bleeding time and platelet aggregation), and thrombelastography (TEG) were performed before and after administration of either 0.9% saline 1000 ml or HES 1000 ml i.v. over a 30-min period. Dilution of PCV and platelet concentrations as a result of volume load were 9% in the saline group and 19% in the HES group. ⋯ Circulating concentrations of antithrombin III were depleted more than could be explained by haemodilution alone, leading to a hypercoagulable state. This effect was offset by an antiplatelet action of HES, which was not seen with saline. The mechanism is unknown.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of S(-)-bupivacaine with racemic (RS)-bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.
Bupivacaine is used widely as a local anaesthetic but has potential for severe cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS) toxicity. It has an asymmetric carbon atom giving it a chiral centre, and the commercial preparation is a racemic mixture of its two enantiomers: dextro or R(+)-bupivacaine and levo or S(-)-bupivacaine. Preclinical studies have demonstrated reduced cardiotoxicity and CNS toxicity for S(-)-bupivacaine. ⋯ Duration of sensory block was prolonged with wide interpatient variation: 892 (SD 250) min, 1039 (317) min and 896 (284) min for 0.25% S(-)-bupivacaine, 0.5% S(-)-bupivacaine and 0.5% RS-bupivacaine, respectively. There were no differences in the overall success rate of the technique. We conclude that S(-)-bupivacaine was suitable for local anaesthetic use in brachial plexus block anaesthesia.
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Comment Letter Case Reports
Sevoflurane for intubation of an infant with croup.
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Biography Historical Article Classical Article
Anaesthesia for caesarean section. 1970.