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Uncategorized Published - 10 November, 2017    By - Dr Clemens
How Stable Are Patients with Moderate Aortic Stenosis and Left Ventricular Dysfunct

Aurthor: Stewart WJ., J Am Coll Cardiol 2017 May 16; 69:2393 A high rate of adverse events prompts the question of whether earlier intervention would improve outcomes. The authors of this international, four-site study examined longitudinal outcomes data on 305 patients (mean age, 73; 75% men) who were identified on baseline echocardiograms with moderate aortic […]

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Uncategorized Published - 10 November, 2017    By - Dr Clemens
Early Antibiotics, Fluids Key in Sepsis Management

Sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies that require immediate action. Early resuscitation should begin with early antibiotics and fluids, as well as the identification of the source of infection, according to new guidelines that were released at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 2017 Critical Care Congress. In addition, the new guidelines say […]

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Uncategorized Published - 10 November, 2017    By - Dr Clemens
Disturbed Microbiome Clinically Detrimental in ICU

Patients in the intensive care unit with an imbalanced microbiome are at increased risk for complications and longer ICU stays, according to findings presented at Clinical Nutrition Week 2017. Paul Wischmeyer, MD, professor of anesthesiology and surgery and director of perioperative research at Duke Clinical Research Institute, in Durham, N.C., who also is part of […]

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Uncategorized Published - 10 November, 2017    By - Dr Clemens
Can Opioids and Substance Abuse Disorder Coexist?

Controlling chronic noncancer pain in a patient who has a substance use disorder is a complex and challenging task. But with tools such as empathetic communication, urine drug testing and coprescribing potentially lifesaving naloxone, health care teams can treat patients with these concurrent conditions safely and effectively—even with opioids, according to several leading pharmacists with […]

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Uncategorized Published - 10 November, 2017    By - Dr Clemens
Proper Drug Disposal Protects Patients, Caregivers

Diversion, waste management go hand in hand Kerri O’Keefe had worked as a care aide in the emergency department at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), in British Columbia, for more than 15 years, transporting patients and helping them with all their basic needs. She loved her job—but according to news reports in the Vancouver Sun, she also […]

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Uncategorized Published - 9 November, 2017    By - Dr Clemens
CMS Releases Final Rule for 2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

On November 2, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule for the CY2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. This 1,250-page rule includes many issues relevant to anesthesia and pain medicine. 2018 Medicare Conversion Factors – Modest Increase in Anesthesia CF: The calculations that result in these figures include the positive […]

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Uncategorized Published - 9 November, 2017    By - Dr Clemens
Are Anesthesia and Surgery during Infancy Associated with Decreased White Matter Integrity and Volume during Childhood?

Authors: Robert I. Block, Ph.D. et al Anesthesiology 11 2017, Vol.127, 788-799. Background: Anesthetics have neurotoxic effects in neonatal animals. Relevant human evidence is limited. We sought such evidence in a structural neuroimaging study. Methods: Two groups of children underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging: patients who, during infancy, had one of four operations commonly performed in otherwise healthy […]

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Uncategorized Published - 9 November, 2017    By - Dr Clemens
Crystalloid versus Colloid for Intraoperative Goal-directed Fluid Therapy Using a Closed-loop System: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Controlled Trial in Major Abdominal Surgery

Authors: Alexandre Joosten, M.D. et al Anesthesiology published on October 26, 2017. Background: The type of fluid and volume regimen given intraoperatively both can impact patient outcome after major surgery. This two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled, double-blind, bi-center superiority study tested the hypothesis that when using closed-loop assisted goal-directed fluid therapy, balanced colloids are associated with fewer postoperative […]

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Uncategorized Published - 9 November, 2017    By - Dr Clemens
No Differences in Renal Function between Balanced 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch (130/0.4) and 5% Albumin for Volume Replacement Therapy in Patients Undergoing Cystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors: Tobias Kammerer, M.D. et al Anesthesiology published on October 26, 2017. Background: The use of artificial colloids has declined in critical care, whereas they are still used in perioperative medicine. Little is known about the nephrotoxic potential in noncritically ill patients during routine surgery. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the influences of albumin […]

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Uncategorized Published - 9 November, 2017    By - Dr Clemens
Better monitoring, guidelines key to reducing complications

Postoperative complications are a problem area in anesthesia, but studies define a road to help reduce them. During Tuesday’s “Neuromuscular Physiology, Pharmacology and Monitoring: Debunking the Myths,” four anesthesiologists examined the need for better guidelines, the use of scientific methods to assess anesthesia recovery, objective monitoring and debunking myths about operating conditions to improve treatment. […]

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