Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Oct 2014
Review Meta AnalysisA systematic review of antifibrinolytics and massive injury.
Every year, more than a million people die as a result of trauma. This huge mortality could be partially explained by the development of an acute traumatic coagulopathy, present in a large part of all major trauma patients, soon after injury, which contributes to ongoing hemorrhage. The coagulopathy induced by trauma is independently associated with mortality, increased transfusion requirements, multiple organ dysfunction, infections, increased intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and costs. ⋯ This study aims at determining the safety and efficacy of TXA administration in this particular setting. Our experience from the cardiac surgery setting highlighted a dose-dependent increased seizure incidence associated with the administration of TXA. For this reason, further studies are needed to better define the "optimal" dose scheme based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Oct 2014
ReviewManagement of oxygen and carbon dioxide pressure after cardiac arrest.
Experimental evidence shows that derangements of arterial partial pressures of either oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) immediately after resuscitation from cardiac arrest may increase the severity of organ dysfunction due to whole body ischemia and subsequent reperfusion. Hyperoxia is believed to increase reperfusion injury, especially to mitochondrial membrane due to increased production of reactive oxygen species. Two large observational studies in human adults showed that hyperoxia (defined as a PaO2≥300 mmHg) in the first 24 h after hospital admission was associated with increased mortality or lower likelihood of independent functional status at hospital discharge. ⋯ The PaCO2 derangements are very common in resuscitated patients. Maintaining normal levels of both PaO2 and PaCO2 and in particular avoiding both hyperoxia and hypocapnia may reduce morbidity and improve survival of cardiac arrest survivors. Available clinical evidence is however almost exclusively limited to observational studies which may be biased by potential uncontrolled confounders.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Oct 2014
ReviewAminoglycosides for life-threatening infections: a plea for an individualized approach using intensive therapeutic drug monitoring.
Aminoglycosides are potent antibiotics with a renewed interest due to the increase in multidrug resistant infections. Their use in life-threatening infections ‑ in combination with other antibiotics ‑ has been debated due to the lack of clear outcome benefits. ⋯ Toxicity on the other hand remains a concern, with nephrotoxicity as the most relevant negative effect in the critically ill. Short term, intensively monitored treatment strategies - with monitoring both peak and trough levels - may increase efficacy as well as reduce toxicity in the critically ill patient.