The classic belief that hospital alarms should be loud might be a mistake, a new study suggests. The overabundance and high volume of hospital alarms can have deleterious effects on patients and providers, impairing clinician performance and possibly compromising patient safety (Crit Care 2009;13:208; Anesth Analg 2014;118:1249-1253). “They’re already an annoying sound,” said Joseph J. Schlesinger, MD, study […]
Read MoreA cross-sectional analysis of children’s hospitals around the country has shown a significant increase in the use of antifibrinolytics during open craniosynostosis surgery. When compared to data collected by Stricker et al (Paediatr Anaesth 2011;21:1026-1035), the survey of primary investigators around the country showed a 42% increase in the utilization rate of antifibrinolytics, with the majority […]
Read MoreNasotracheal intubation over a bougie (NIB) may result in less nasal trauma than conventional nasotracheal intubation (CVT), a recent study suggests. CVT, with blind advancement of the tube through the nares, takes less time but is associated with a higher incidence of nasal bleeding and Magill forceps use, according to researchers. “Conventionally, nasotracheal intubation is […]
Read MoreThe dose of local anesthetic used in spinal-epidural analgesia for external cephalic version has no influence on the success rate of the procedure, according to a randomized controlled trial. The conclusion contradicts earlier meta-analyses. Although the trial investigators found dose-dependent changes in some secondary outcomes, they noted that these results highlight the importance of blinding […]
Read MoreAnesthesiologists must be key participants in the process of reducing surgical site infections, including ensuring that the correct prophylactic antimicrobial therapy is given 30 to 60 minutes before incision. This is just one of many updated SSI guidelines that were recently published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (2017;224:59-74). “Anesthesiologists need to embrace their […]
Read MoreWhen it comes to surgery for patients with hip fractures, earlier is better. A database analysis by a team of Cleveland Clinic researchers concluded that for every 10-hour increase in time from hospital admission to surgery, one-year mortality in these patients increased by 5%. “There is considerable debate regarding the timing of surgery after hip […]
Read MoreAnemia either before or after surgery is associated with an incremental risk for postoperative acute kidney injury, and perhaps long-term mortality, a database analysis has concluded. Although prior research identified both preoperative and postoperative anemia as potential risk factors for complications after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, their relationship with AKI had not been defined […]
Read MoreAuthor: Veronica Hackethal, MD Several interventions improve success rates for extubation from mechanical ventilation in preterm infants, a new systematic review suggests. “Preterm infants should be extubated to noninvasive respiratory support, and routinely be given caffeine; corticosteroids should be used cautiously; and chest physiotherapy should be avoided owing to important adverse effects,” write Kristin Ferguson, […]
Read MoreAuthors: Bret S. Stetka, MD et al Editor’s Note: Medscape recently interviewed Stephen Caleb Haskins, MD, a clinical assistant professor of anesthesiology at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City, about the emerging role that point-of-care ultrasound is playing in his field. Medscape: To start, what is point-of-care ultrasound? Dr Haskins: Point-of-care ultrasound is utilizing […]
Read MoreThe possibility of symptomatic or permanent phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) need not loom over every patient administered an interscalene nerve block. Ki Jinn Chin, MD, associate professor in the Department of Anesthesia at Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, told attendees of the 2016 International Symposium of Ultrasound for Regional Anesthesia, Pain Medicine, and Peri-operative […]
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