British journal of anaesthesia
-
Multicenter Study
Early thromboelastometry variables predict maximum clot firmness in children undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery.
Early clot amplitudes measured on thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) predict maximum clot firmness (MCF) in adults. In this multicentre, retrospective study, we aimed to confirm the suspected relationship between early ROTEM® variables and MCF, in children undergoing cardiac or non-cardiac surgery. ⋯ This study confirmed that early values of clot amplitudes measured as soon as five, 10 or 15 min after clotting time could be used to predict maximum clot firmness in all ROTEM® tests.
-
Perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is not uncommon and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Recently, several definition systems for AKI were proposed, incorporating both small changes of serum creatinine and urinary output reduction as diagnostic criteria. Novel biomarkers are under investigation as fast and accurate predictors of AKI. ⋯ Thus, fluids should not be given in excess for the sole purpose of avoiding or treating oliguria. Use of hydroxyethyl starch needs to be reconsidered. Recent evidence indicates a beneficial effect of administering low-chloride solutions.
-
This review examines the recent evidence of an impact of regional anaesthesia on important clinical outcomes. Evidence was obtained from a variety of studies, with increasing numbers of analyses of large databases being prominent. The benefits and limitations of these approaches are considered in order to provide a context for interpretation of the data they generate. ⋯ There are even some data consistent with a hypothesis that general anaesthesia may be protective against postoperative cognitive dysfunction. In conclusion, there is probably no generally applicable benefit in long-term outcomes with regional anaesthesia. More likely is an interaction between patient factors, the surgical procedure, and the relative capability of the anaesthetist to manage different types of anaesthesia.