British journal of anaesthesia
- 
    
    
Fluid management guided by oesophageal Doppler monitor has been reported to improve perioperative outcome. Stroke volume variation (SVV) is considered a reliable clinical predictor of fluid responsiveness. Consequently, the aim of the present trial was to evaluate the accuracy of SVV determined by arterial pulse contour (APCO) analysis, using the FloTrac/Vigileo system, to predict fluid responsiveness as measured by the oesophageal Doppler. ⋯ This prospective, interventional observer-blinded study demonstrates that SVV obtained by APCO, using the FloTrac/Vigileo system, is not a reliable predictor of fluid responsiveness in the setting of major abdominal surgery.
 - 
    
    
McDonnell highlights the differences in managing the collapsed parturient, namely:
- Need to prevent aortocaval compression.
 - Early securing of the airway.
 - Rapid perimortem Caesarean delivery.
 - Likelihood of a non-cardiac/pregnancy cause.
 
The two cases presented include arrest due to ruptured uterus and arrest possibly due to iatrogenic magnesium overdose. Both resulted in favorable, though not perfect, outcomes for mother and baby.
The need for delivery suite ‘perimortem cesarean section packs’ is also discussed, as well as the use of regular simulation training.
summary - 
    
    
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is amenable to a variety of regional anaesthesia (RA) techniques that may improve patient outcome. We sought to answer whether RA decreased mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), blood loss, duration of surgery, pain, opioid-related adverse effects, cognitive defects, and length of stay. We also questioned whether RA improved rehabilitation. ⋯ Our review suggests that there is no difference in duration of surgery in patients who receive GA or RA. Compared with systemic analgesia, regional analgesia can reduce postoperative pain, morphine consumption, and nausea and vomiting. Length of stay is not reduced and rehabilitation does not appear to be facilitated by RA or analgesia for THA.
 - 
    
    
Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography is increasingly used for guiding intraoperative management decisions during non-cardiac surgery. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) equipment and training is becoming more available to anaesthetists, and its point-of-care application may facilitate real-time haemodynamic management and preoperative screening. ⋯ Anaesthetist-performed point-of-care TTE and thoracic ultrasound may have a high clinical impact on the perioperative management of patients scheduled for non-cardiac surgery.
 - 
    Comparative Study
Bispectral and spectral entropy indices at propofol-induced loss of consciousness in young and elderly patients.
Bispectral (BIS) and state/response entropy (SE/RE) indices have been widely used to estimate depth of anaesthesia and sedation. In adults, independent of age, adequate and safe depth of anaesthesia for surgery is usually assumed when these indices are between 40 and 60. Since the EEG is changing with increasing age, we investigated the impact of advanced age on BIS, SE, and RE indices during induction. ⋯ In adults undergoing propofol induction, BIS, SE, and RE indices at LOC are significantly affected by age.