Minerva anestesiologica
-
Minerva anestesiologica · May 2004
Comparative Study[The fluid balance in the critically ill patient].
In the critically ill patient the hemodynamic management is essential. Usually the hemodynamic status is estimated by the measurement of the intravascular pressure or volume and by computing the fluid balance, while the change in body weight estimates the total body water. The fluid balance is computed by subtracting the fluid output to the input. Although the input (fluids, drugs, infusion.) are well known, the output are difficult to correctly compute, because they depend on several factors such as the body-room temperature, amount of humidity and may change with time. Aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of the fluid balance compared to the body weight measured by a dedicated mattress (Hill-Rom). ⋯ Although the fluid balance was not accurate, the only body weight without any intravascular measurement is not helpful for a correct clinical hemodynamic management of the patient.
-
During video assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) the lung should be well collapsed. When the separation of the lungs is strictly indicated, use of difficult tube, such as double lumen tube (DLT) or Univent tube cannot be avoided, despite the presence of a difficult airway. If a patient has a recognized difficult airway, awake intubation with fiberoptic bronchoscopy can be attempted with Univent tube, DLT or with single lumen tube (SLT). ⋯ The most important feature of the blocker is its flexible soft tip that allows to direct it in the desired bronchus. The blocker contains a lumen that allows suctioning of the lung to facilitate deflation, suctioning of secretion and insufflation of oxygen. In summary, the clinician should be able to master different methods of lung separation and make him/her self familiar with the available devices.
-
Minerva anestesiologica · May 2004
[Use of protein C concentrate in adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock].
The aim of this study is to describe the first experiences on the use of protein C concentrate (PC) in adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and clinical contraindications to activated protein C (APC). On the basis of the effectiveness demonstrated by the activated form in sepsis and of the encouraging results expressed in literature of protein C concentrate (PC) mainly about meningococcus fulminating infections, we carried out an observational study on protein C concentrate (PC) with 28-day follow-up and a daily analysis of the hemato-chemical and clinical parameters. Particular attention was paid to the variations in the PC plasma levels, to the modifications of the coagulation system, to the SOFA score as well as to the safety under bleeding risk conditions. ⋯ In our small number of patients, protein C concentrate has proven to be safe and particularly useful in the control of the coagulopathy triggered and sustained by sepsis.