Anesthesiology clinics of North America
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Anesthesiol Clin North America · Sep 2005
ReviewThe rapid sequence induction revisited: obesity and sleep apnea syndrome.
Pulmonary aspiration is a cause of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality, with little change in incidence over the past 20 years. Rapid sequence induction is a common procedure in obese patients, who appear to be more at risk for both pulmonary gastric aspiration and difficult airways, and is required in obese and sleep apnea syndrome patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux or other predisposing conditions. In the elective obese or sleep apnea patient with no other risk factors for pulmonary aspiration, the risks and benefits of rapid sequence induction and cricoid pressure should be weighed. If rapid sequence induction is required, succinylcholine remains the neuromuscular blocking agent of choice, if there are no contraindications.
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Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. This results in the disruption of normal ventilation and sleep patterns. The symptoms, polysomnographic findings, pathophysiology, and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome are significantly different in children from those seen in adults.
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Anesthesiol Clin North America · Sep 2005
ReviewThe biology and genetics of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
This article reviews current knowledge about a genetic approach to the causes and risk factors for sleep apnea. Recent evidence suggests that genetic variability may play a significant causal role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea. The data supporting a genetic influence on sleep apnea, and the perioperative management of patients with sleep apnea are examined.
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Anesthesiol Clin North America · Sep 2005
ReviewPreoperative evaluation of patients with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea are conditions frequently encountered by the anesthesiologist and may have a significant impact on perioperative outcomes. This article discusses the preoperative evaluation of patients with one or both of these conditions. The goals of the preoperative assessment are to identify issues that can adversely affect the patient. This information is critical to forming an effective plan for the perioperative care of the patient.
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This article explores the physiologic basis and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea--a general term encompassing central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. The former is relatively uncommon while the latter is much more common. Episodic collapse and blockage of the upper airway occur during sleep despite continuous respiratory effort. Three types of sleep obstructive breathing--apnea, hypopnea, and airway resistance--are associated with respiratory-related arousals from sleep.