British journal of anaesthesia
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N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular outcome in many circumstances. There are, however, limited data regarding the utility of NT-proBNP or BNP levels in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The current study assesses the ability of NT-proBNP to predict early outcome in this setting. ⋯ NT-proBNP levels predict early outcome after cardiac surgery. Their prognostic utility is modest-but is independent of traditional indicators and conventional risk prediction scores.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block for analgesia after Caesarean delivery.
The landmark-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an effective method of providing postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery. We evaluated the analgesic efficacy of the ultrasound (US)-guided TAP block in patients undergoing Caesarean delivery. ⋯ The US-guided TAP block reduces morphine requirements after Caesarean delivery when used as a component of a multimodal analgesic regimen. Registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12608000540314. URL: http://www.anzctr.org.au/trial_view.aspx?ID=83176.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of the performance of four laryngoscopes in a high-fidelity simulator using normal and difficult airway.
Novel laryngoscopes may demonstrate advantages over the traditional Macintosh laryngoscope for difficult airways. Our study compared Glidescope laryngoscope, Bonfils fibrescope, and CTrach intubating laryngeal mask airway with the Macintosh laryngoscope in a simulated normal and difficult airway, considering the additional effect of previous intubation experience. ⋯ In this study, the Macintosh laryngoscope outperformed the other devices. However, the Glidescope was considered easy to use regardless of previous experience and was the preferred device for the simulated difficult airway.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Relative potencies of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, and ropivacaine for neonatal spinal anaesthesia.
Comparing the relative potency of new local anaesthetics such as levobupivacaine and ropivacaine with bupivacaine by the minimum local analgesic concentration model has not been described for neonatal spinal anaesthesia. This information is important to compare agents and to determine the most effective spinal dose. ⋯ Appropriate doses for infant spinal anaesthesia are 1 mg kg(-1) of isobaric 0.5% bupivacaine and ropivacaine and 1.2 mg kg(-1) of isobaric 0.5% levobupivacaine.