British journal of anaesthesia
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The majority of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) require mechanical ventilation. This support provides time for the lungs to heal, but the adverse effects of mechanical ventilation significantly influence patient outcome. Traditionally, these were ascribed to mechanical effects, such as haemodynamic compromise from decreased venous return or gross air leaks induced by large transpulmonary pressures. ⋯ Moreover, the results from clinical and basic research have revealed more subtle types of VALI, including upregulation of the inflammatory response in the injured and overdistended lung. This not only damages the lung, but the overflow of inflammatory mediators into the systemic circulation may explain why most patients who die with ARDS succumb to multi-organ failure rather than respiratory failure. The results of these studies, the present understanding of the pathophysiology of VALI, and protective ventilatory strategies are reviewed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Developmental pharmacokinetics of morphine and its metabolites in neonates, infants and young children.
Descriptions of the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of morphine and its metabolites in young children are scant. Previous studies have not differentiated the effects of size from those related to age during infancy. ⋯ M3G is the predominant metabolite of morphine in young children and total body morphine clearance is 80% that of adult values by 6 months. A mean steady-state serum concentration of 10 ng ml(-1) can be achieved in children after non-cardiac surgery in an intensive care unit with a morphine hydrochloride infusion of 5 micro g h(-1) kg(-1) at birth (term neonates), 8.5 micro g h(-1) kg(-1) at 1 month, 13.5 micro g h(-1) kg(-1) at 3 months and 18 micro g h(-1) kg(-1) at 1 year and 16 micro g h(-1) kg(-1) for 1- to 3-yr-old children.
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It may be clinically useful to predict the depth of the epidural space. ⋯ We conclude that the preoperative abdominal CT is helpful in prediction of the distance for low-thoracic epidural insertion using the paramedian approach.
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Although volatile anaesthetics afford protection against bronchospasm, their potential to reverse a sustained constriction of hyperreactive airways has not been characterized. Accordingly, we investigated the ability of halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane to reverse lung constriction induced by prolonged stimulation of the muscarinic receptors in guinea pigs sensitized to ovalbumin. ⋯ Volatile agents can reverse sustained MCh-induced airway constriction only transiently in sensitized guinea pigs. Isoflurane proved most beneficial in temporally improving lung function in the presence of a severe constriction of allergic inflamed airways. Desflurane displayed potential to induce further airway constriction.
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Little attention has been paid to pain on medical wards, with publications limited to the management of surgical patients. We wanted to establish the prevalence and severity of pain in the general medical setting, and how this compared with other clinical specialties. ⋯ Patients in all hospital specialities experience pain. Until the issue of pain management in medical patients is fully addressed the situation will not improve.