Preoperative aspirin administration decreases postoperative acute kidney injury and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing cardiac surgery, a study finds. “In previous studies, we found that aspirin pretreatment before surgery reduces perioperative complications and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery,” said Jian-Zhong Sun, MD, PhD, professor of anesthesiology at Thomas Jefferson University, in […]
Read MorePublished in Anesthesiology 7 2015, Vol.123, 136-147. Authors: Chin-Chen Chu, MD, PhD et al Background: The effects of the mode of anesthesia on major adverse postoperative outcomes in geriatric patients are still inconclusive. The authors hypothesized that a neuraxial anesthetic (NA) rather than a general anesthetic (GA) would yield better in-hospital postoperative outcomes for geriatric patients undergoing […]
Read MorePublished in Anesthesiology 7 2015, Vol.123, 116-125. Authors: Andrew V. Scott BS et al Background: In an effort to measure and improve the quality of perioperative care, the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) was introduced in 2003. The SCIP guidelines are evidence-based process measures designed to reduce preventable morbidity, but it remains to be determined whether SCIP-measure […]
Read MorePublished in Anesthesiology 7 2015, Vol.123, 92-100 Authors: Vesela P. Kovacheva, MD, PhD et al Background: The administration of uterotonic agents during cesarean delivery is highly variable. The authors hypothesized a “rule of threes” algorithm, featuring oxytocin 3 IU, timed uterine tone evaluations, and a systematic approach to alternative uterotonic agents, would reduce the oxytocin dose required […]
Read MorePublished in Anesthesiology 7 2015, Vol.123, 79-91. Authors: Edward J. Mascha PhD et al Background: Little is known about the relationship between intraoperative blood pressure variability and mortality after noncardiac surgery. Therefore, the authors tested the hypothesis that blood pressure variability, independent from absolute blood pressure, is associated with increased 30-day mortality. Methods: Baseline and intraoperative variables plus […]
Read MorePublished in Anesthesiology 7 2015, Vol.123, 126-135. Authors: John R. Feiner, MD et al Background: Transfusion-related acute lung injury incidence remains the leading cause of posttransfusion mortality. The etiology may be related to leukocyte antibodies or biologically active compounds in transfused plasma, injuring susceptible recipient’s lungs. The authors have hypothesized that transfusion could have less severe effects […]
Read MorePublished in Anesthesiology 7 2015, Vol.123, 38-54 Authors: Andrew J. Davidson, MD et al Background: Postoperative apnea is a complication in young infants. Awake regional anesthesia (RA) may reduce the risk; however, the evidence is weak. The General Anesthesia compared to Spinal anesthesia study is a randomized, controlled trial designed to assess the influence of general […]
Read MorePublished in Anesthesiology 7 2015, Vol.123, 18-28 Authors: David O. Warner, MD et al Background: Decision aids can increase patient involvement in decision-making about health care. The study goal was to develop and test a decision aid for use by clinicians in discussion options for changing smoking behavior before and after elective surgery. Methods: In formative work, a […]
Read MorePublished in Anesthesiology 6/2015 Authors: Andra E. Duncan, MD Background: Glucose–insulin–potassium (GIK) administration during cardiac surgery inconsistently improves myocardial function, perhaps because hyperglycemia negates the beneficial effects of GIK. The hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic clamp (HNC) technique may better enhance the myocardial benefits of GIK. The authors extended previous GIK investigations by (1) targeting normoglycemia while administering a GIK […]
Read MorePublished in Anesthesiology 5 2015 Authors: Susan M. Lee MD FRCPC et al Background: Despite widespread use, there is limited information to guide perioperative management of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the authors evaluated the patterns of postoperative ARB use in veterans regularly prescribed ARBs admitted for noncardiac surgery at the Veterans Affairs […]
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