British journal of anaesthesia
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B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels predict cardiovascular risk in several settings. We hypothesized that they would identify individuals at increased risk of early cardiac complications after major non-cardiac surgery. The current study tests this hypothesis. ⋯ In the setting of major non-cardiac surgery, preoperative BNP levels are higher in patients who experience perioperative death and myocardial injury. Larger studies are required to confirm these data and to clarify what BNP levels may add to existing methods of risk stratification.
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Experimental evidence from a murine model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) suggests that hypothermia followed by fast rewarming may damage cerebral microcirculation. The effects of hypothermia and subsequent rewarming on cerebral vasoreactivity in human TBI are unknown. ⋯ After moderate hypothermia, rewarming exceeding the 37 degrees C threshold is associated with a significant increase in average PRx, indicating temperature-dependent hyperaemic derangement of cerebrovascular reactivity.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of ephedrine on intubating conditions and haemodynamics during rapid tracheal intubation using propofol and rocuronium.
We compared the effect of pre-treatment with ephedrine 75, 100, 150 microg kg(-1) and saline on intubating conditions and haemodynamics during rapid tracheal intubation using propofol and rocuronium. ⋯ Ephedrine either 75 or 100 microg kg(-1) given before rapid tracheal intubation using propofol and rocuronium bromide improves the intubation conditions. It is not effective in preventing the hypotension which follows ensuing induction of anaesthesia.
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Information is lacking concerning optimal infusion rates of crystalloid during resuscitation from acute haemorrhage. In this study, a mathematical model was used to predict infusion volume of crystalloid needed to restore and maintain blood volume after acute haemorrhage. ⋯ Bolus crystalloid infusion exceeding 80 ml kg(-1) h(-1) may not increase effectiveness of fluid resuscitation. Crystalloid resuscitation for more than 2 h may be detrimental in view of an excessive net fluid retention.
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Clinical Trial
Remifentanil-midazolam sedation for paediatric patients receiving mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery.
Sedation of critically ill children requiring artificial ventilation remains a therapeutic challenge due to large individual variation in drug effects and a paucity of knowledge of pharmacokinetics in this population. This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of remifentanil in children requiring ventilation after cardiac surgery. ⋯ A combination of remifentanil and midazolam provided satisfactory sedation for these patients. Owing to enhanced clearance rates, smaller (younger) children will require higher remifentanil infusion rates than larger (older) children and adults to achieve equivalent blood concentrations.