Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Jun 2020
Electroencephalographic density spectral array monitoring during propofol sedation in teenagers, using the narcotrend electroencephalographic monitor.
Recently published articles address concerns about the safe use of currently available index-based depth of hypnosis monitors. Electroencephalographic Density Spectral Array monitoring facilitates the interpretation of unprocessed electroencephalogram data, providing the anesthesiologist with real-time drug-specific information on hypnotic depth. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the clinical applicability of Density Spectral Array with a commercially available monitor as the Narcotrend EEG monitor in teenagers under procedural sedation using propofol. ⋯ We were able to show that DSA displayed in real time, on a commercially available DoA monitor (the Narcotrend EEG monitor), can provide the anesthesiologist with understandable information regarding the dose-dependent EEG effects of propofol in teenagers.
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The intensive care unit (ICU) represents one of the most ethically burdensome health care settings where uncertainties and disagreements concerning proportionate treatments, goals of care and patients' best interests frequently come up. Clinical ethics consultation (CEC) is a service available to hospital staff, patients and their family members to handle and resolve such moral doubts and conflicts. Considered as the most challenging activity of clinical ethics, it aims to improve the quality of patient care and to increase both health care professionals' familiarity with ethical issues and their competence in identifying and analyzing moral problems. ⋯ First, we show what use CEC can have in an ICU, especially in the process of shared decision making. Then, we analyze two attitudes which may prevent CEC from being fully integrated in the health care system. Lastly, we illustrate the advantages of implementing a clinical ethics service where the full spectrum of ethics support activities are ensured on an ongoing basis.
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From the initial hypothesis considering 30 years ago the gut as the "motor" of multiple organ failure (MOF) related to an induced hyperpermeability leading to bacterial translocation into the systemic circulation, the reality becomes significantly more complex. The gut contains three interplaying components - the epithelium, the microbiome, and the immune system - that have to cooperate to maintain two opposite function: adsorption of nutrients and maintenance of a barrier to prevent the crossing of intraluminal microbes or their products to avoid host response. ⋯ This review tries to give a comprehensive description of these mechanisms, focused on induced sepsis. Some new therapeutic strategies are discussed.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Jun 2020
Acute reduction of cerebrospinal fluid volume prior to spinal anaesthesia: implications for sensory block extent.
Multiple patient and clinical characteristics contribute to the variable outcome of spinal anesthesia (SPA). Acute reduction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume may alter the effect of SPA. The objective of the present study was to test if aspiration of 10 mL CSF immediately prior to SPA is associated with higher extent of sensory block. ⋯ Acute reduction of CSF volume by 10 mL prior to SPA leads to a higher thoracic level of sensory block.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Jun 2020
Impact of imipenem concentration in lung perfusate and tissue biopsy during clinical ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) of high-risk lung donors.
Normothermic ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) limits organ donor shortage by potentially using high-risk donor lungs. Microbial burden reduction has been demonstrated after EVLP using antibiotic prophylaxis with imipenem. However, no data have been published on the clinical consequences of the potential residual bacterial burden. ⋯ Recipients with the same bacterial species isolated in their donors had higher risk of pulmonary inflammation and early post-transplant pneumonia. Improvements in antimicrobial strategies during EVLP are warranted to minimize the consequences of donor associated respiratory infection.