British journal of anaesthesia
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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.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparative evaluation of the visibility and block characteristics of a stimulating needle and catheter vs an echogenic needle and catheter for sciatic nerve block with a low-frequency ultrasound probe.
Clear visibility of the needle and catheter tip is desirable to perform safe and successful ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks. This can be challenging with deeper blocks in obese patients. This study compared the visibility of echogenic and non-echogenic block needles and catheters in proximal sciatic blocks when performed with a low-frequency curved probe. ⋯ CTR Protocol ID: R-11-495, Clinical Trials.Gov ID: NCT 01492660.
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The process of haemostasis is complex and is further complicated in the parturient because of the physiological changes of pregnancy. Understanding these changes and the impact that they have on the safety profile of the anaesthetic options for labour and delivery is crucial to any anaesthetist caring for the parturient. This article analyses current theories on coagulation and reviews the physiological changes to coagulation that occur during pregnancy and the best methods with which to evaluate coagulation. Finally, we examine some of the more common disorders of coagulation that occur during pregnancy, including von Willebrand disease, common factor deficiencies, platelet disorders, the parturient on anticoagulants, and the more rare acute fatty liver of pregnancy, with a focus on their implications for neuraxial anaesthesia.