Month: August 2016

Uncategorized Published - 9 August, 2016    By - Dr Clemens
Is It Time to Ask Different Questions about Aspiration?

Authors: Peter A. Chin, M.B.B.S. Anesthesiology 8 2016, Vol.125, 425. To the Editor: I read with interest the report by Beach et al.1  on the relationship between nil per os (NPO) time and major adverse events, with special attention to pulmonary aspiration. The authors conclude that NPO status is not an independent predictor of major complications. As reported […]

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Uncategorized Published - 9 August, 2016    By - Dr Clemens
Steroids Do Not Reduce Persistent Pain after Cardiac Surgery: Should This Be the End of the Question or the Beginning of Newer Questions?

Authors: Harsha Shanthanna, M.D. et al      Anesthesiology 8 2016, Vol.125, 423-425. To the Editor: We read with interest the study by Turan et al.1  on the use of methylprednisolone for persistent incisional pain after cardiac surgery. This substudy was done on 1,110 of the 7,500 patients included for the Steroid In caRdiac Surgery (SIRS) trial.2  The treatment group […]

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Uncategorized Published - 9 August, 2016    By - Dr Clemens
Long-term Survival, All-cause Mortality, and Propensity Score Matching

Authors: Usman Ali, M.B.B.S., B.Sc., F.R.C.A. et al Anesthesiology 8 2016, Vol.125, 419-420. To the Editor: We read with great interest the article by Wigmore et al.1  The authors have produced one of the largest studies published looking at cancer survival and anesthesia. In an era where new cancer therapies are becoming ever more expensive to develop, their […]

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Uncategorized Published - 9 August, 2016    By - Dr Clemens
Total Intravenous Anesthesia and Transfusion: A Double Whammy?

Authors: Sarah A. Dawson, M.B.B.S. Anesthesiology 8 2016, Vol.125, 418-419. To the Editor: I read with great interest the article by Wigmore et al.1  at the Royal Marsden Hospital (London, United Kingdom), which suggested that total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) is associated with improved cancer survival when compared to volatile inhalational anesthesia. The study has caused a great deal […]

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Uncategorized Published - 9 August, 2016    By - Dr Clemens
Survival Advantage with Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Cancer Surgery: Is This Confounded by Cancer Type and Stage?

Authors: Brett Doleman, B.Sc. et al Anesthesiology 8 2016, Vol.125, 417 To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Wigmore et al.,1  in particular the impressive survival advantage associated with the use of total IV anesthesia (TIVA) compared to inhalational anesthesia. The study incorporated a propensity score–adjusted model, which is the most robust method to control […]

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Uncategorized Published - 8 August, 2016    By - Dr Clemens
Rapid Infusion of Hydroxyethyl Starch 70/0.5 but not Acetate Ringer’s Solution Decreases the Plasma Concentration of Propofol during Target-controlled Infusion

Authors: Sayako Itakura, M.D. et al Anesthesiology 8 2016, Vol.125, 304-312. Background: Rapid fluid infusion resulting in increased hepatic blood flow may decrease the propofol plasma concentration (Cp) because propofol is a high hepatic extraction drug. The authors investigated the effects of rapid colloid and crystalloid infusions on the propofol Cp during target-controlled infusion. Methods: Thirty-six patients were […]

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Uncategorized Published - 8 August, 2016    By - Dr Clemens
Preoperative Evaluation Clinic Visit Is Associated with Decreased Risk of In-hospital Postoperative Mortality

Authors: Jeanna D. Blitz, M.D. et al Anesthesiology 8 2016, Vol.125, 280-294. Background: As specialists in perioperative medicine, anesthesiologists are well equipped to design and oversee the preoperative patient preparation process; however, the impact of an anesthesiologist-led preoperative evaluation clinic (PEC) on clinical outcomes has yet to be fully elucidated. The authors compared the incidence of in-hospital […]

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Uncategorized Published - 8 August, 2016    By - Dr Clemens
Anesthetic Neurotoxicity Meets Big Data: Reasons to Be Cheerful?

Authors: Cor J. Kalkman, M.D., Ph.D. et al Commentary: A Population-based Study Evaluating the Association between Surgery in Early Life and Child Development at Primary School Entry Anesthesiology 8 2016, Vol.125, 263-265 FOR more than a decade, the possibility that exposure to anesthetics may be harmful to the developing human brain has intrigued anesthesiologists and the public […]

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Uncategorized Published - 8 August, 2016    By - Dr Clemens
Transcranial Doppler to Predict Neurologic Outcome after Mild to Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury

Authors: Pierre Bouzat, M.D., Ph.D. et al     Anesthesiology 8 2016, Vol.125, 346-354.: Background: To assess the performance of transcranial Doppler (TCD) in predicting neurologic worsening after mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. Methods: The authors conducted a prospective observational study across 17 sites. TCD was performed upon admission in 356 patients (Glasgow Coma Score [GCS], 9 to […]

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Uncategorized Published - 8 August, 2016    By - Dr Clemens
Emergency Cricothyrotomy Performed by Surgical Airway–naive Medical Personnel: A Randomized Crossover Study in Cadavers Comparing Three Commonly Used Techniques

Authors: Frédéric Heymans, M.D. et al        Commentary: Surgical Cricothyrotomy, Rather than Percutaneous Cricothyrotomy, in “Cannot Intubate, Cannot Oxygenate” Situation Anesthesiology 8 2016, Vol.125, 295-303. Background: When conventional approaches to obtain effective ventilation and return of effective spontaneous breathing fail, surgical airway is the last rescue option. Most physicians have a limited lifetime experience with cricothyrotomy, and it […]

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