British journal of anaesthesia
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Given variable frequency of misleading reports and the potential for spin (a way of describing results that can mislead readers) to influence interpretation of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), we have undertaken a spin reassessment. We evaluated the quality of recent literature in anaesthesia journals by assessing the presence of spin and calculating the fragility index. ⋯ This systematic review showed that 40% of statistically negative trials in high-impact anaesthesia journals could mislead readers. For statistically positive RCTs, the results relied on few subjects, with a median fragility index of 4 [1-8]. Efforts must be continued to reduce spin and fragility in the medical literature.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Norepinephrine versus phenylephrine for treating hypotension during general anaesthesia in adult patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery: a multicentre, open-label, cluster-randomised, crossover, feasibility, and pilot trial.
Intraoperative hypotension is associated with postoperative complications. The use of vasopressors is often required to correct hypotension but the best vasopressor is unknown. ⋯ NCT04789330 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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Recently, fatigue has received more attention as a workplace hazard. This scoping review focuses on fatigue in anaesthesia providers. We explore the prevalence of fatigue in anaesthesia providers, and we examine how fatigue impacts their performance. ⋯ Based on this scoping review, fatigue is a prevalent a phenomenon that anaesthesia providers cannot ignore. A combination of deterioration in non-technical skills, increased medication errors, loss of sustained attention, and psychomotor decline can lead to poorer performance and cause patient harm. Concrete strategies to mitigate fatigue should be developed.
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Clinical Trial
Breathe-squeeze: pharmacodynamics of a stimulus-free behavioural paradigm to track conscious states during sedation☆.
Conscious states are typically inferred through responses to auditory tasks and noxious stimulation. We report the use of a stimulus-free behavioural paradigm to track state transitions in responsiveness during dexmedetomidine sedation. We hypothesised that estimated dexmedetomidine effect-site (Ce) concentrations would be higher at loss of responsiveness (LOR) compared with return of responsiveness (ROR), and both would be lower than comparable studies that used stimulus-based assessments. ⋯ NCT04206059.
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Editorial
Ethical considerations for theatre teams in organ donation after circulatory determination of death.
Transplant surgery is an area that gives rise to a number of ethical considerations. As medicine continues to expand the boundaries of what is technically possible, we must consider the ethical implications of our interventions, not solely on patients and society, but also on those asked to provide that care. Here, we consider physician participation in procedures required to provide patient care in the context of the ethical convictions held by the physician, with an emphasis on organ donation after circulatory determination of death. Strategies that can be used to mitigate any potential negative impact on the psychological well-being of members of the patient care team are considered.