Articles: adult.
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Background Various solutions have been recommended for cleansing wounds, however, normal saline is favoured as it is an isotonic solution and is less likely to interfere with the normal healing process. Tap water is commonly used in the community for cleansing wounds because it is easily accessible, efficient and cost-effective; however, there is an unresolved debate about its use. Objectives The objective of this review was to assess the effects of water compared with other solutions for wound cleansing. ⋯ The use of isotonic saline, distilled water and boiled water for cleansing open fractures also did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in the number of fractures that were infected. Conclusions Although the evidence is limited one trial has suggested that the use of tap water to cleanse acute wounds reduces the infection rate and other trials conclude that there is no difference in the infection and healing rates between wounds that were not cleansed and those cleansed with tap water and other solutions. In the absence of drinkable tap water, boiled and cooled water as well as distilled water can be used as cleansing agents.
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Rev Bras Anestesiol · Aug 2007
[Comparison of the bispectral index in awake patients with cerebral palsy].
The EEG-BIS was created after studies in healthy adult subjects, and studies in children were first published in 1998. Cerebral palsy (CP) is secondary to a static lesion of the developing brain. The need to perform exams and surgical procedures to correct deformities, under anesthesia or sedation, is common in these patients. The need for monitoring of the hypnotic state in anesthetized patients has increased; patients with cerebral palsy can be included in this group of patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the awake EEG-BIS in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) by comparing it with patients without neurological disorders (without CP). ⋯ The signals of the EEG are captured normally and the values of the awake EEG-BIS of CP patients are similar to that of non-CP patients.
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Should patients with confirmed single brain metastasis undergo surgical resection? Should patients with single brain metastasis undergoing surgical resection receive adjuvant whole-brain radiation therapy (wbrt)? What is the role of stereotactic radiosurgery (srs) in the management of patients with single brain metastasis? ⋯ No high-quality data are available regarding the choice of surgery versus radiosurgery for single brain metastasis. In general, the size and location of the metastasis determine the optimal approach. The standard wbrt regimen for management of patients with single brain metastasis in the United States is 3000 cGy in 10 fractions, and this treatment is usually the standard arm in randomized studies of radiation in patients with brain metastases. Based solely on evidence, the understanding that no reason exists to choose 3000 cGy in 10 fractions over 2000 cGy in 5 fractions is correct; however, fraction size is believed to be important, and therefore 300 cGy daily (3000/10) is believed to be associated with fewer long-term neurocognitive effects than 400 cGy daily (2000/5) in the occasional long-term survivor. For that reason, many radiation oncologists in Ontario prefer 3000 cGy in 10 fractions. No data exist to either support or refute that preference; therefore, finding a resolution to this issue is not currently possible. The Neuro-oncology dsg will update the recommendations as new evidence becomes available.
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In addition to mortality, Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) has increasingly been claimed as an important outcome variable. The aim of this study was to assess HRQOL and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) six months after discharge from an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and to study its determinants. ⋯ ASA-PS, age, type of surgery, ICU LOS and SAPS II could be seen as determinants of HRQOL.
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Rev Bras Anestesiol · Jun 2007
[Assessment of the cognitive effects of inhalational induction with sevoflurane associated or not with nitrous oxide: a comparative study in adult volunteers.].
Anesthetic induction with inhalational agents using a facemask has gained attention since the introduction of sevoflurane. At the same time, the influence of adding nitrous oxide on the pattern of induction and recuperation deserves attention, especially regarding recovery of the cognitive function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cognitive effects of inhalational anesthetic induction with sevoflurane alone or associated with nitrous oxide in adults. ⋯ Sevoflurane alone or in association with nitrous oxide is an adequate option for inhalational anesthetic induction or outpatient sedation in adults, maintaining spontaneous ventilation, and providing a fast recuperation of the cognitive function.