Revista brasileira de anestesiologia
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Rev Bras Anestesiol · Jan 2010
Comparative Study Clinical TrialUse of the ultrasound to determine the level of lumbar puncture in pregnant women.
An imaginary line connecting both iliac crests is used to determine the vertebral level for lumbar puncture. This line crosses the spine at the level of L4 or the L4-L5 space. This anatomical reference can be inaccurate in a large proportion of patients. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the identification of the L3-L4 space by the physical exam differs from that of the ultrasound in obese and non-obese pregnant women. ⋯ The L3-L4 space is correctly identified in a low percentage of obese and non-obese pregnant women. Spinal ultrasound can reduce the incidence of mistaken identification of the L3-L4 space in obese and non-obese pregnant women.
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Rev Bras Anestesiol · Jan 2010
Applicability of the simplified acute physiology score (SAPS 3) in Brazilian hospitals.
The SAPS 3 (Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3) prognostic system is composed of 20 parameters, represented by an acute physiology score and assessment of the previous status, aimed at establishing a predictive mortality index for patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). The objective of this study was to validate this system and determine its discriminatory power in surgical patients in Brazil. ⋯ The SAPS 3 system is valid for the Brazilian population of surgical patients, being a useful indicator of critical patients and to determine greater care in this group.