British journal of anaesthesia
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Although almost inert chemically, xenon is not unreactive biologically. It interacts with receptors involved in the expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules. The effect of xenon on the immune function in whole blood has not been studied. ⋯ In an isolated CPB system, xenon and oxygen-enriched air had similar effects on cytokine production and expression of adhesion molecules.
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Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially lethal disease triggered by volatile anaesthetics and succinylcholine in genetically predisposed individuals. Because of the heterogenetic nature of MH, a simple genetic-based diagnostic test is not feasible and diagnosis requires an invasive open muscle biopsy followed by the in vitro contracture test (IVCT). Our aim was to establish if measurements of halothane-induced increases in intracellular calcium ion concentration [Ca(2+)](i) in cultured human skeletal muscle cells can be used to phenotype MH susceptibility and if different mutations in the ryanodine receptor (RYR1) gene affect halothane-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i). ⋯ Measurements of [Ca(2+)](i) in human skeletal muscle cells can be used to phenotype MH susceptibility; however, we did not observe a specific effect of any mutation in the RYR1 gene on the halothane-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i).
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Case Reports
Use of implantable cardioverter defibrillator and anti-arrhythmic agents in a parturient.
We describe a case of a 36-yr-old patient who presented at 14 weeks gestation with multifocal dysrrhythmic episodes. Despite treatment with anti-arrythmic agents and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in situ, she continued to experience persistent dysrrhythmic episodes. She was delivered by Caesarean section at 34 weeks under general anaesthesia. We discuss some of the anaesthetic challenges of parturients with ICD devices.