In Patients Undergoing Serious, More Invasive Surgeries A large French study has shown that monitoring both hemoglobin (SpHb) and plethysmography variability index (PVI) as part of a vascular filling algorithm allows for optimal transfusion among surgical patients, thereby reducing mortality. The researchers noted that inclusion of such noninvasive devices may significantly affect patient outcomes in […]
Read MoreWidely used pain relievers may increase the risk of a myocardial infarction (MI) when used during a cold or flu-like illness, according to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. The findings suggest that physicians and patients should use caution when prescribing or taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease symptoms of acute […]
Read MoreTaking 1 oxycodone tablet together with even a modest amount of alcohol increases the risk of respiratory depression, according to a study published online first in the journal Anesthesiology. The study also found that elderly people were especially likely to experience this complication. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing more fatalities and people in emergency rooms after having […]
Read MoreWeaning from continuous opioid infusion can result in withdrawal and associated adverse effects, including respiratory, neurologic, and cardiovascular sequelae. Practices pertaining to the use of methadone to facilitate opioid weaning in pediatric patients are widely heterogeneous, according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in Pediatric Anesthesia.1 Weaning from continuous opioid infusion can result in […]
Read MoreBJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia · February 10, 2017 Background: The 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) score is widely used to measure pain intensity after surgery. Despite this widespread use, it is unclear what constitutes the minimal clinically important difference (MCID); that is, what minimal change in score would indicate a meaningful change in a patient’s […]
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