Anesthesia & Analgesia: April 28, 2015 Authors: Tassonyi, Edömér MD, PhD et al BACKGROUND: Pipecuronium is a steroidal neuromuscular blocking agent. Sugammadex, a relaxant binding [gamma]-cyclodextrin derivative, reverses the effect of rocuronium, vecuronium, and pancuronium. We investigated whether sugammadex reverses moderate pipecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade (NMB) and the doses required to achieve reversal. METHODS: This single-center, […]
Read MoreAnaesthesist 2015 May;64(5):347-56. doi: 10.1007/s00101-015-0023-9. Authors: Ninke T et al Abstract During the perioperative and postoperative care of pregnant women it is prudent to pay close attention to the changed physiology of these patients. The main principles of care are the preservation of maternal and fetal homeostasis as well as avoidance of any substances with toxic effects […]
Read MoreBMJ 2015 Apr 16;350:h1748. Authors: Cohen SP et al OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether an epidural steroid injection or gabapentin is a better treatment for lumbosacral radiculopathy. DESIGN: A multicenter randomized study conducted between 2011 and 2014. Computer generated randomization was stratified by site. Patients and evaluating physicians were blinded to treatment outcomes. SETTINGS: Eight military, Veterans Administration, […]
Read MoreA Survey of Anaesthesia Staff BMC Anesthesiol. 2015;15(13) Authors: Johannes Wacker et al Background Underreporting of intraoperative events in anaesthesia is well-known and compromises quality documentation. The reasons for such omissions remain unclear. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of anaesthesia staff to explore perceived barriers to reliable documentation during anaesthesia. Methods Participants anonymously completed a paper-based questionnaire. Predefined […]
Read MoreA sudden and substantial drop in prescription opioid dispensing matched by a similar decrease in opioid overdose has been noted within 2 years of the introduction of abuse-deterrent extended- release formulations of oxycodone (multiple brands) along with the removal of propoxyphene (multiple brands), a weak opioid, from the prescription market, new research shows. Introduction of […]
Read MoreChest 2015 Mar 26 Authors: Kaur, H et al BACKGROUND: The optimal concentration of lignocaine to be used during flexible bronchoscopy (FB) remains unknown. This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of 1% and 2% lignocaine solution for topical anesthesia during FB. METHODS: Consecutive patients were randomized to receive either 1% or 2% lignocaine […]
Read MoreClin Ther 2015 Jun 1;37(6):1354-71 Authors: Golembiewski J et al PURPOSE: Opioid analgesics, the cornerstone of effective postsurgical pain management, may be associated with risk of opioid-related adverse drug events (ADEs) that may complicate the postsurgical experience. Perioperative multimodal analgesic regimens have the potential to improve postsurgical pain control and may permit use of lower analgesic doses […]
Read MoreCan J Anaesth. 2015 Aug;62(8):883-890 Authors: Mariappan R et al PURPOSE: Spine surgeries are increasingly being performed as a day or short-stay surgery programs. Peripheral nerve block provide site-specific pain relief with few side effects, thereby reducing surgical stress and enhancing quality of recovery. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of a superficial cervical […]
Read MoreNeonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has historically been associated with illicit drug use among pregnant women. However, a study published in the April issue of the journal Pediatrics showed an increased likelihood of NAS among pregnant women were narcotic pain relievers such as hydrocodone. In addition, the study found that opioid type and duration of exposure […]
Read MoreThe use of cuffed tracheal tubes is increasingly popular in pediatric anesthesia, but investigators have found that there is a risk for increased trauma without proper diligence. “When I was a fellow, many of my colleagues started using MicroCuff [Halyard] tracheal tubes, especially in neonatal patients, where they proved much easier for us to manage […]
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