British journal of anaesthesia
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Children who are exposed to multiple general anaesthetics before age three demonstrate deficits on neurosphycological testing, although not children with a single exposure.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Association of electroencephalogram trajectories during emergence from anaesthesia with delirium in the post-anaesthesia care unit: an early sign of postoperative complications.
Postoperative delirium is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly. Delirium in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) could predict adverse clinical outcomes. ⋯ Specific EEG patterns were associated with PACU delirium. These findings provide valuable information regarding how the brain reacts to surgery and anaesthesia that may lead to strategies to predict PACU delirium and identify key areas of investigation for its prevention.
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Observational Study
Non-invasive continuous detection of arterial hypotension during induction of anaesthesia using a photoplethysmographic signal: proof of concept.
During general anaesthesia, intraoperative hypotension (IOH), defined as a mean arterial pressure (MAP) reduction of > 20%, is frequent and may lead to complications. Pulse oximetry is mandatory in the operating room, making the photoplethysmographic signal and parameters, such as relative dicrotic notch height (Dicpleth) or perfusion index (PI), readily available. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether relative variations of Dicpleth and PI could detect IOH during anaesthesia induction, and to follow their variations during vasopressor boluses. ⋯ NCT03756935.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Randomised controlled trial of dexmedetomidine sedation vs general anaesthesia for inguinal hernia surgery on perioperative outcomes in infants.
Neonates and infants undergoing general anaesthesia for hernia surgery are at risk of perioperative cardiorespiratory adverse events. The use of regional anaesthesia with dexmedetomidine preserves airway tone and may potentially avoid these complications. This study compares the perioperative conditions and adverse events between dexmedetomidine sedation with caudal block and general anaesthesia with caudal block for inguinal hernia surgery in infants. ⋯ NCT02559102.
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Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the oldest drugs still in use in medicine. Despite its superior pharmacokinetic properties, controversy remains over its continued use in clinical practice, reflecting in part significant improvements in the pharmacology of other anaesthetic agents and developing awareness of its shortcomings. This narrative review describes current knowledge regarding the clinical use of N2O based on a systematic and critical analysis of the available scientific literature. ⋯ Novel potential applications for N2O for the prevention or treatment of chronic pain and depression are also discussed. In view of the available evidence, we recommend that the supply of N2O in hospitals be maintained while encouraging its economic delivery using modern low flow delivery systems. Future research into its potential novel applications in prevention or treatment of chronic conditions should be pursued to better identify its role place in the developing era of precision medicine.