Authors: Xin-Hai Wu, M.D. et al Anesthesiology published on September 1, 2016 Background: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery often develop sleep disturbances. The authors tested the hypothesis that low-dose dexmedetomidine infusion could improve sleep architecture in nonmechanically ventilated elderly patients in the ICU after surgery. Methods: This was a pilot, randomized controlled trial. […]
Read MoreAuthors: Philippe Sitbon, M.D. et al Anesthesiology published on September 1, 2016 Background: Opiorphin is a naturally occurring potent analgesic human peptide. It protects enkephalins from degradation and inhibits pain perception in various acute pain models via activation of endogenous opioid pathways. However, the efficacy of opiorphin continuous infusion and its chemically stable form, STR-324, in postoperative […]
Read MoreAuthors: Jessica M. Booth, M.D. et al Anesthesiology 9 2016, Vol.125, 516-524. Background: It is unclear whether recognition of epidural catheter failures is delayed with combined spinal epidural technique (CSE) compared to traditional epidural technique (EPID) when used for labor analgesia. The authors hypothesized that recognition of failed catheters is not delayed by CSE. Methods: Anesthetic, obstetric, and […]
Read MoreAleva FE et al., Chest 2016 Aug 12; This systematic review shows a high rate of PE in patients hospitalized for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a notoriously difficult clinical diagnosis, and symptoms of PE can overlap with those of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Further, the inflammation of […]
Read MoreHarlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM Reviewing McEvoy RD et al., N Engl J Med 2016 Aug 28; In a multicenter trial, patients with cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea had no reduction in risk. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about […]
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