Authors: Elizabeth M. S. Lange, M.D. et al Anesthesiology 12 2017, Vol.127, 942-952. Background: Intrapartum maternal fever is associated with several adverse neonatal outcomes. Intrapartum fever can be infectious or inflammatory in etiology. Increases in interleukin 6 and other inflammatory markers are associated with maternal fever. Magnesium has been shown to attenuate interleukin 6–mediated fever in animal […]
Read MoreRates of opioid abuse in North America have levelled, but remain disturbingly high, and do not seem to be declining, according to results of a retrospective study presented on October 22 at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Using 2000 to 2014 data from the annual National Survey on Drug […]
Read MoreAuthor: Christopher M. Burkle, M.D., J.D. ASA Monitor 11 2017, Vol.81, 48-49. Each year, the ASA Committee on Professional Liability provides a report on changing trends in malpractice insurance premiums and characteristics impacting physician anesthesiologists. The Anesthesia Closed Claims Project conducted a survey of malpractice insurers in May-July 2017 on behalf of the committee. Twenty-seven medical liability […]
Read MoreAuthors: Nasir Hussain, M.Sc., M.D. et al Anesthesiology 12 2017, Vol.127, 998-1013. Background: Interscalene block provides optimal shoulder surgery analgesia, but concerns over its associated risks have prompted the search for alternatives. Suprascapular block was recently proposed as an interscalene block alternative, but evidence of its comparative analgesic effect is conflicting. This meta-analysis compares the analgesic effect […]
Read MoreAuthors: Jan Hofland, M.D., Ph.D. et al Anesthesiology 12 2017, Vol.127, 918-933. Background: Ischemic myocardial damage accompanying coronary artery bypass graft surgery remains a clinical challenge. We investigated whether xenon anesthesia could limit myocardial damage in coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients, as has been reported for animal ischemia models. Methods: In 17 university hospitals in France, Germany, […]
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