British journal of anaesthesia
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Functional brain imaging offers a way to investigate how general anaesthetics impair consciousness. However, functional imaging changes may result from drug effects unrelated to hypnosis. Establishing a causal link with loss of consciousness is thus difficult. ⋯ The results provide strong evidence that reductions in rCBF in the thalamus and precuneus are functionally related to propofol-induced unconsciousness independently of any non-specific effects of propofol. These observations confirm that the thalamus and precuneus are key elements to understand how general anaesthetics cause unconsciousness and how patients wake up from anaesthesia. Furthermore, they are consistent with the notion that anaesthetic-induced unconsciousness is associated with reduced cholinergic activation.
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Letter Comparative Study
Comparison between RapidTEG® and conventional thromboelastography in cardiac surgery patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Dexmedetomidine inhibits gastric emptying and oro-caecal transit in healthy volunteers.
Dexmedetomidine is a potent and selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist used for perioperative and intensive care sedation with certain beneficial qualities. However, based on preclinical observations, it might inhibit gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit, which could result in unwanted effects in intensive care patients. This study evaluated the effects of dexmedetomidine on gastric emptying and oro-caecal transit time in healthy volunteers. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine markedly inhibits gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit in healthy volunteers.