Minerva anestesiologica
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We organized a training program for oral fiber optic intubation (FOI) under conscious sedation. The efficacy of the program was evaluated by comparing the performances of experts and novices. ⋯ This study highlights the importance of a structured FOI training program, demonstrating that it is possible to learn to perform FOI proficiently by practicing on dummies.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Feb 2014
Postoperative hemoglobin levels and its association with myocardial ischemia in non-cardiac surgical patients.
Low hemoglobin (Hb) levels as well as cardiac complications are common conditions in postoperative surgical patients and both are associated with poor outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of postoperative Hb levels on myocardial ischemia in high-risk patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery. ⋯ Postoperative Hb levels are independently associated with postoperative myocardial ischemia in high-risk patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
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During pregnancy most of women will experience some kind of pain, either as a result of a pre-existing condition (low back pain, headache, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis) or as a direct consequence of pregnancy (weight gain, postural changes, pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal factors). However, chronic pain management during pregnancy and lactation remains a challenge for clinicians and pregnant women are at risk of undertreatment for painful conditions, because of fear about use of drugs during pregnancy. ⋯ The aim of this paper is to review the safety profile in pregnancy or lactation of the commonly prescribed pain medications and non-pharmacological treatments. In addition to the conventional classifications from the Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Paediatrics, authors analyzed the currently available clinical data from literature.
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Pleural effusion is a fluid collection within the pleural space and is a common finding in mechanically ventilated patients. It is frequently related to fluid overload, hyponcotic states, heart failure, and altered pleural pressure due to atelectasis or pneumonia. Recent literature has shown that its incidence within ARDS is increasing, even if, in most of cases, at least in the early phases, it seems of limited clinical relevance. ⋯ Aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence and opinions about the interaction between Pleural Effusion and positive pressure ventilation in the presence of ARDS, its impact on gas exchange and tidal mechanics, trying to figure out the best bedside management that is not available yet. The estimation of both lung and chest wall elastance may help in the clinical decision making whether to drain or not in order to improve respiratory mechanics and oxygenation. Further research is still needed to determine the effect of drainage on clinical outcome and to evaluate its application in the weaning strategies.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Feb 2014
Observational StudyUse of B-type natriuretic peptides to detect the existence and severity of diastolic dysfunction in non-cardiac critically ill patients: a pilot study.
This observational study was designed to evaluate and compare the usefulness of BNP and NT-proBNP concentrations to detect the existence and severity of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in critically ill patients. ⋯ Both BNP and NT-proBNP are useful screening tools to detect the presence of advanced degrees of LVDD, and especially to rule out elevated filling pressures.