BMC anesthesiology
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While the long-term negative effects of obesity on health is a well-studied phenomenon, its effects on acute illnesses seem to be the contrary. Several studies have indicated the possibility of an 'obesity paradox' in sepsis - where overweight and obese patients have better outcomes than normal weight patients. ⋯ Limitations common to such studies include inadequate adjustment for confounding and selection bias. More rigorous investigations to clarify any causal relationship between obesity and mortality in sepsis are needed.
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Observational Study
Assessment of Haemostasis in patients undergoing emergent neurosurgery by rotational Elastometry and standard coagulation tests: a prospective observational study.
Rotational elastometry (ROTEM) has been shown useful to monitor coagulation in trauma patients and in major elective surgery. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the utility of ROTEM to identify hemostatic disturbances and to predict the need for transfusion, compared with standard coagulation tests (SCTs) in patients undergoing emergent neurosurgery. ⋯ In patients undergoing emergent neurosurgery, ROTEM analysis provides valid markers of early coagulopathy and predictors of blood transfusion requirements.
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Interscalene block (ISB) is commonly associated with Horner's syndrome due to spread of local anesthetic to the cervical sympathetic chain. Postganglionic neurons that originate from superior cervical ganglia form the sympathetic innervation of eye. Decrease in sympathetic tone may change intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP). The aim of the study was to investigate whether ISB affects IOP and/or OPP. ⋯ ISB decreased IOP in the blocked side. ISB could be considered as a safe regional technique of choice in elderly patients at high risk for developing glaucoma.
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Hemodynamic resuscitation in septic shock requires aggressive fluid replacement and appropriate use of vasopressors to optimize arterial pressure (AP) and cardiac output (CO). Because responses to these drugs vary between patients and within patient over time, strict monitoring of patient condition and repetitive adjustment of drug dose are required. This task is time and labor consuming, and is associated with poor adherence to resuscitation guidelines. To overcome this issue, we developed a computer-controlled closed-loop drug infusion system for automated hemodynamic resuscitation in septic shock, and evaluated the performance of the system in a canine model of endotoxin shock. ⋯ In a canine model of endotoxin shock, our system automatically improved and maintained AP and CO at their target values with small performance error. Our system is potentially an attractive clinical tool for rescuing patients with septic shock.
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Small nasotracheal tubes (NTTs) and intranasal compression of the NTT in the nasal cavity may contribute to increasing airway resistance. Since the effects of size, shape, and partial compression of the NTT on airway resistance have not been investigated, values of airway resistance with partial compression of preformed NTTs of various sizes were determined. ⋯ Pressure losses through NTTs are in inverse proportion to the tubes' IDs; greater pressure losses due to slip joints, acute bending, and partial compression of the NTT were obvious in small NTTs. Pressure losses through NTTs, especially in small NTTs, could increase the work of breathing to a greater extent than that through standard tubes; intranasal compression further increases the pressure loss.