British journal of anaesthesia
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Multicenter Study
Environmental and financial impacts of perioperative paracetamol use: a multicentre international life-cycle analysis.
Pharmaceuticals account for 19-32% of healthcare greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Paracetamol is a common perioperative analgesic agent. We estimated GHG emissions associated with i.v. and oral formulations of paracetamol used in the perioperative period. ⋯ Intravenous paracetamol has 12-fold greater life-cycle carbon emissions than the oral tablet form. Glass vials have higher greenhouse gas emissions than plastic vials. Intravenous administration should be reserved for cases in which oral formulations are not feasible.
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Review
Mitigating the systemic loss of nitrous oxide: a narrative review and data-driven practice analysis.
Given the negative health impacts of climate change, clinicians have a fundamental responsibility to take an active role in mitigating the environmental impact of their practices. Inhaled anaesthetics are potent greenhouse gases, including nitrous oxide (N2O), with their long atmospheric lifetime, high global warming potential, and ozone-depleting properties. However, few clinicians realise that losses from central N2O supply systems account for the vast majority of overall N2O consumption in healthcare. ⋯ To date, this mitigation initiative has been successfully implemented at over 25 hospitals in our system. Raising awareness of this considerable source of healthcare-specific N2O emissions empowers clinicians to spearhead facility-level engagement and action. As healthcare leaders, clinicians should advocate for decarbonisation of clinical practices and systems while ensuring high-quality patient care.
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Review Meta Analysis
Efficacy of intravenous iron supplementation in reducing transfusion risk following cardiac surgery: an updated meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Previous meta-analyses of intravenous iron supplementation for reducing red blood cell (RBC) transfusion risk after cardiac surgery were inconclusive because of limited data. This updated meta-analysis incorporates recent evidence. ⋯ CRD42024542206 (PROSPERO).
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Review Meta Analysis
Influence of nitrous oxide added to general anaesthesia on postoperative mortality and morbidity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a common adjuvant to general anaesthesia. It is also a potent greenhouse gas and causes ozone depletion. We sought to quantify the influence of N2O as an adjuvant to general anaesthesia on postoperative patient outcomes. ⋯ PROSPERO CRD42023443287.