British journal of anaesthesia
-
Exposure to general anaesthesia in children might increase the risk of long-term behavioural problems. It is unclear if any behavioural changes in the short term after anaesthesia could be associated with long-term problems. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the short-term trajectory of parent-reported behaviour measured by the Behaviour Assessment System for Children, third edition (BASC-3) amongst children aged 2.5-6 yr who underwent general anaesthesia for elective surgery. ⋯ Anaesthesia for elective surgery in young children was associated with a small decrease in internalising problems but no changes in other areas of behavioural problems when assessed at 3 months postoperatively, including in children with prior exposure to anaesthesia.
-
Acid-base status in full-term pregnant women is characterised by hypocapnic alkalosis. Whether this respiratory alkalosis is primary or consequent to changes in CSF electrolytes is not clear. ⋯ NCT03496311.
-
Rapid elimination of remifentanil facilitates application of intense opioid effect during general anaesthesia whilst maintaining prompt emergence. Interruptions in remifentanil supply mean clinicians must relearn titration of pharmacokinetically longer-acting opioids to achieve appropriate levels of opioid effect whilst maintaining acceptable recovery times. Opioid-free anaesthesia is achievable for many minor and intermediate surgical procedures for which remifentanil might have been used previously.
-
Editorial Comment
Surgery in older patients: learning from shared decision-making in intensive care.
An increasing number of older patients are having surgical treatments. Similar to older patients admitted to intensive care, they present with additional problems including multimorbidity, frailty, and cognitive impairment. In both intensive care and surgical settings, comprehensive assessment can inform targeted interventions and shared decision-making. We explore the challenges faced by older patients, and by the clinicians treating them.