British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of sugammadex on incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade: a randomized, controlled study.
Reversal with sugammadex may dramatically reduce the incidence of post-operative residual paralysis.
pearl -
Matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP) and cancer cell invasion are crucial for solid tumour metastasis. Important signalling events triggered by inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), include Src-kinase-dependent activation of Akt and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphorylation of caveolin-1. Based on previous studies where we demonstrated amide-type local anaesthetics block TNFα-induced Src activation in malignant cells, we hypothesized that local anaesthetics might also inhibit the activation and/or phosphorylation of Akt, FAK and caveolin-1, thus attenuating MMP release and invasion of malignant cells. ⋯ At clinically relevant concentrations both ropivacaine and lidocaine blocked tumour cell invasion and MMP-9 secretion by attenuating Src-dependent inflammatory signalling events. Although determined entirely in vitro, these findings provide significant insight into the potential mechanism by which local anaesthetics might diminish metastasis.
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Clinical Trial
Epidermal growth factor receptor - inhibition (EGFR-I) in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Neurobiological work has demonstrated that expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) is upregulated on neurones and glial cells after nerve damage. Furthermore, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been identified as having a key role in this process and subsequent interruption of this using EGFR-Inhibitors (EGFR-I), may improve neuropathic pain. The aim of this report was to explore if EGFR-I attenuated neuropathic pain in humans. ⋯ EGFR-I improves neuropathic pain and this is in keeping with basic science work. Controlled clinical trials are now eagerly awaited to assess this further.
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The thoracic aorta elongates and unfolds with advancing age. Lateral displacement and tortuosity of the descending part may affect oesophageal Doppler monitoring (ODM) readings because probe alignment becomes slanted. This investigation aimed to relate aortic displacement as it appears on the chest radiograph with variations in ODM readings as the probe is inserted to different depths. ⋯ Increased lateral displacement and tortuosity of the descending aorta reduces the reliability of ODM measurements as probe depth is varied, especially with aging.
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There are many patient groups who may refuse blood products; the most well known amongst them is the Jehovah's Witness faith. Treatment of anaemia and bleeding in such patients presents a challenge to medical, anaesthetic, and surgical teams. This review examines the perioperative issues and management of Jehovah's Witnesses. The history and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses are outlined together with their impact on ethics and the law, and different management options throughout the perioperative period are discussed.