Authors: Xu Zhao, M.D. et al Anesthesiology December 2021, Vol. 135, 1076–1090. Background Mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients remains high. Although randomized controlled trials must continue to definitively evaluate treatments, further hypothesis-generating efforts to identify candidate treatments are required. This study’s hypothesis was that certain treatments are associated with lower COVID-19 mortality. Methods This […]
Read MoreAuthors: James E. Baumgardner, M.D., Ph.D., M.D. et al Anesthesiology December 2021, Vol. 135, 1042–1054. Background Kinetics of the uptake of inhaled anesthetics have been well studied, but the kinetics of elimination might be of more practical importance. The objective of the authors’ study was to assess the effect of the overall ventilation/perfusion ratio (VA/Q), […]
Read MoreAuthoir: Natalya S. Hasan-Hill, MD ASA Monitor December 2021, Vol. 85, 24–25. In “Stumbling Into the Next Stage of Your Pandemic Life,” psychotherapist Lindsey Antin describes the complicated psychology of “returning” (asamonitor.pub/3lv1nYo). For some people, returning means coming out of quarantine and going back to their work or practice in person. That doesn’t apply to […]
Read MoreAuthors: Charles H. Brown, IV, M.D., M.H.S. et al Anesthesiology December 2021, Vol. 135, 992–1003. Background Reducing depth of anesthesia and anesthetic exposure may help prevent delirium, but trials have been conflicting. Most studies were conducted under general anesthesia or in cognitively impaired patients. It is unclear whether reducing depth of anesthesia beyond levels consistent […]
Read MoreAuthors: Forbes McGain, F.A.N.Z.C.A, F.C.I.C.M., Ph.D. et al Anesthesiology December 2021, Vol. 135, 976–99 Background Health care itself contributes to climate change. Anesthesia is a “carbon hotspot,” yet few data exist to compare anesthetic choices. The authors examined the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, and combined (general and spinal anesthesia) […]
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