Authors: David B. Auyong, M.D. et al Anesthesiology 7 2018, Vol.129, 47-57. Background: The interscalene nerve block provides analgesia for shoulder surgery, but is associated with diaphragm paralysis. One solution may be performing brachial plexus blocks more distally. This noninferiority study evaluated analgesia for blocks at the supraclavicular and anterior suprascapular levels, comparing them individually to the interscalene […]
Read MoreAuthors: Annalotta Scheinin, M.D. Anesthesiology 7 2018, Vol.129, 22-36. Background: Differentiating drug-related changes and state-related changes on the electroencephalogram during anesthetic-induced unconsciousness has remained a challenge. To distinguish these, we designed a rigorous experimental protocol with two drugs known to have distinct molecular mechanisms of action. We hypothesized that drug- and state-related changes can be separated. Methods: Forty-seven […]
Read MoreExposure to hyperoxia in the immediate post-intubation period after admission to the emergency department (ED) is associated with worse outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients, according to researchers. “We found that the unnecessary administration of excessive amounts of oxygen and resultant elevated levels of oxygen in the bloodstream were very common in the emergency department,” said […]
Read MoreAuthors: Kristen K. MacKenzie, M.D. et al Anesthesiology 9 2018, Vol.129, 417-427. What We Already Know about This Topic: Up to 20% of patients undergoing major surgery experience postoperative delirium or cognitive dysfunction Intraoperative management strategies to reduce the risk of postoperative delirium remain unclear What This Article Tells Us That Is New: The heterogeneity of […]
Read MoreAuthors: Amie L. Severino, Ph.D. et al Anesthesiology 9 2018, Vol.129, 544-556. What We Already Know about This Topic: Pain resolves more quickly from cesarean delivery than other abdominal surgeries Pregnancy-related hormones such as oxytocin may reduce postoperative pain in women, although similar systems may function in men as well What This Article Tells Us That […]
Read MoreAuthors: Huras H et al European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 225 185-188 (Jun 2018) INTRODUCTION Relaparotomy is a serious complication of caesarean section. The aim of this study was to investigate its risk factors and postoperative outcome. METHODS We conducted a retrospective case-control study examining 48 reoperations between January 2013 and […]
Read MoreAuthors: Raza D et al Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica (May 2018) BACKGROUND Mallampati class has been shown to increase during labor. There are no prospective studies evaluating airway changes in hypertensive parturients during labor. The aim of our study was to observe the frequency of change in Mallampati class during labor in hypertensive compared to normotensive […]
Read MoreExposure to hyperoxia in the immediate post-intubation period after admission to the emergency department (ED) is associated with worse outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients, according to researchers. “We found that the unnecessary administration of excessive amounts of oxygen and resultant elevated levels of oxygen in the bloodstream were very common in the emergency department,” said […]
Read MoreAuthors: Christopher M Petrilli et al BMJ June 2018 Objective Several large studies have shown that improving the patient experience is associated with higher reported patient satisfaction, increased adherence to treatment and clinical outcomes. Whether physician attire can affect the patient experience—and how this influences satisfaction—is unknown. Therefore, we performed a national, cross-sectional study to examine […]
Read MoreUse of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) program indicates that the safety of rapid sequence intubation in emergency departments can be improved with basic data collection and targeted interventions. According to the investigators, the program enabled assessment of airway performance of emergency medicine residents and identification of airway issues. Interventions were introduced throughout the decade-long […]
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