Anaesthesiologie und Reanimation
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Anaesthesiol Reanim · Jan 1992
Comparative Study[The humidification of anesthetic gases during anesthesia using heat and moisture exchangers].
This study looks at the question of whether anaesthetic gases are sufficiently moistened in a semi-closed system by the partial recycling of expired air with simultaneous absorption of CO2. During the inspiration phase only a maximum of 42% relative humidity at a temperature of 24.8 degrees C was reached. These values lie far below the demands of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) of 70% relative humidity at 30 degrees C. ⋯ An improved version, the Humid Vent II, has been produced. Physiological values (37 degrees C, 100% relative humidity) are not achieved by any heat and moisture exchangers. This problem could possibly be solved by using infra-red light when warming the gases.
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Anaesthesiol Reanim · Jan 1992
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial[The effect of etomidate on the upper airway reflexes].
Clinical observations during anaesthesia and intubation of emergency patients are presented showing a differentiated impact of etomidate (Hypnomidate) on upper airway reflexes: a blockade of pharyngeal reflexes with sustained but possibly delayed laryngeal reflexes and a certain protection against laryngospasm and vomiting. In addition etomidate enables, preferably in combination, difficult intubation with sustained spontaneous breathing due to its low respiratory depressant effect. ⋯ The impact of anaesthetics on airway reflexes is generally concealed by muscular relaxants, and observations on this matter are difficult to make subject to quantifiable parameters and controlled studies; accordingly such observations are scarcely found in newer anaesthetic literature. In the development of new techniques for intubation and anaesthesia without muscle relaxation, these methodical problems deserve attention.
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Anaesthesiol Reanim · Jan 1992
Review[The treatment of status asthmaticus using ketamine--experimental results and clinical experience].
Intensive therapy of a patient with status asthmaticus must lead to a reduction of vital threat by improving respiratory and cardiac functions. Because of the bronchodilating effect of ketamine, analgesic sedation with ketamine and benzodiazepines is extremely useful for prolonged ventilation. At the beginning of this treatment it can be necessary to supplement the continuous intravenous infusion of ketamine and diazepam or ketamine and midazolam with small bolus doses of up to 3.5 mg/kg/h of ketamine. ⋯ Sixteen asthmatic patients were treated with analgesic sedation using ketamine and benzodiazepines, three of them without intubation and ventilation. In spite of the life-threatening situation and reanimation before admission to the intensive care unit, only one patient died. Our experience has shown that intensive therapy including analgesic sedation with ketamine and benzodiazepines, optimized by application of sympathomimetics and vasodilators, is suitable for overcoming the life-threatening situation of patients with status asthmaticus.