Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Nov 2008
Editorial CommentEpidural anesthesia and analgesia in cardiac surgery.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Nov 2008
Review Comparative StudyThe use of helmets to deliver non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure in hypoxemic acute respiratory failure.
Non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a useful tool for managing patients with acute respiratory failure. The head helmet is a relatively novel interface that is as effective as the traditionally employed face-mask in delivering CPAP and can possibly be characterized as better for the patient's tolerance and, consequently, a longer duration of treatment. This review focuses on the main properties of the helmet and the issues related to its use, as shown by the physiological and bench studies. Clinical experience, both personal and reported in the literature, for the treatment of both cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema is reviewed as well.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Nov 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialMagnetic acupressure for management of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a preliminary study.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Nov 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThoracic epidural anesthesia decreases C-reactive protein levels in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass induces a systemic inflammatory response. However, when thoracic epidural anaesthesia is administered as part of a combined anesthetic technique, the stress response associated with the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may be attenuated. ⋯ Thoracic epidural anaesthesia, as a part of a combined anesthetic technique, attenuated the inflammatory response (CRP and fibrinogen levels) to cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. However, this effect was not reflected in a decrease of troponin I levels, reduced incidence of complications, or in an earlier extubation time.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Nov 2008
ReviewAcute intestinal distress syndrome: the importance of intra-abdominal pressure.
This review article will focus primarily on the recent literature on abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) as well as the definitions and recommendations published by the World Society for the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS, www.wsacs.org). The risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and the definitions regarding increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) will be listed, followed by a brief but comprehensive overview of the different mechanisms of end-organ dysfunction associated with IAH. Measurement techniques for IAP will be discussed, as well as recommendations for organ function support in patients with IAH. Finally, noninvasive medical management options for IAH, surgical treatment for ACS and management of the open abdomen will be briefly discussed.