bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anticoagulation and Cataract Surgery: A Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Konstantatos A. 
Published: January 2019

The anticoagulated patient presenting for cataract surgery presents many dilemmas for anaesthetist and surgeon alike. Current evidence suggests that warfarin therapy significantly improves prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation with coexisting cerebrovascular disease, and those with non-tissue prosthetic heart valves. Inadequate anticoagulation in these groups exposes them to higher risk of systemic embolic complications, which are frequently devastating. Warfarin is an extremely complex drug. Attempted cessation and recommencement of warfarin therapy may not only reverse anticoagulation for unpredictable periods of time but may also expose patients to a transient yet dangerous hypercoagulable state. In most instances this state represents an additive risk to the untreated disease for which warfarin is being prescribed. It is difficult to accurately measure risks of local anaesthetic blockade in anticoagulated patients as techniques are not standardized. Smaller needles and single injections appear safer with deep eye blocks, while sub-Tenon's block and topical techniques appear safer still, and acceptable provided patients and surgeons are happy with the conditions so created. Retrobulbar haemorrhage appears to occur more frequently in anticoagulated patients who have their anticoagulation continued up to the time of cataract surgery. Retrobulbar haemorrhage is also more frequent in this same group even when anticoagulation is ceased prior to surgery when compared to non-anticoagulated patients. Prognosis for visual acuity with retrobulbar haemorrhage is generally good, given an experienced surgeon is present to rapidly decompress the eye.
Effect of Age on Recovery from Remifentanil Anaesthesia
Authors: Lai A. , Hung C. T. 
Published: January 2019

In a prospective, randomized study, the effect of age on recovery from remifentanil anaesthesia was evaluated. Twenty consecutive patients classified as ASA 1 and 2 and having elective laparotomy were recruited to one of two groups based on age (Group 1 age <60 y and Group 2 age >60 y). Remifentanil boluses and infusion were used for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. Dosage was titrated against clinical response to perioperative stimulation and the infusion was terminated at the end of the operation. Time intervals between termination of remifentanil infusion and 1) spontaneous respiration, 2) adequate respiration, 3) eye opening, 4) limb movement, 5) extubation, 6) Aldrete score >9, 7) discharge to recovery room and 8) discharge to the ward were recorded. Patient controlled analgesia with morphine was used for postoperative pain control. Student's t test was used to compare the differences in these time intervals between Groups 1 and 2. AP value <0.05 was taken as significant. We found that the younger age group regained spontaneous respiration (0.8±0.7 min vs 3.2±3.6 min), adequate respiration (3.4±3.7 min vs 7.6±5.8 min), opened their eyes (0.9±1.0 min vs 3.6±4.4 min), had their endotracheal tubes removed (5.0±4.6 min vs 9.0±6.5 min) and were discharged to recovery room (8.8±4.3 min vs 14.5±7.1 min) earlier than their older counterparts. In conclusion, age was a co-variate for recovery from remifentanil anaesthesia.
Association of Serum Albumin Concentration and Mortality Risk in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Yap F. H. Y. , Joynt G. M. , Buckley T. A. , Wong E. L. Y. 
Published: January 2019

In this study we aimed to examine the association between serum albumin concentration and mortality risk in critically ill patients. We retrospectively studied 1003 patients admitted to our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) over an 18-month period. Serial albumin measurements over 72 hours were compared between survivors and non-survivors, and medical and surgical patients were also compared. Our results showed that serum albumin decreased after ICU admission, most rapidly in the first 24 hours, in both survivors and non-survivors. Serum albumin was lower in non-survivors than in survivors, but albumin concentrations poorly differentiated the two groups. Medical patients had higher admission albumin levels than surgical patients, but both subgroups showed a similar albumin profile over 72 hours. We evaluated the prognostic value of serum albumin using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. We constructed ROC curves for APACHE II score, admission albumin, albumin at 24 and 48 hours. We also combined APACHE II with albumin values and constructed the corresponding ROC curves. Our data showed that serum albumin had low sensitivity and specificity for predicting hospital mortality. Combining APACHE II score with serum albumin concentrations did not improve the accuracy of outcome prediction over that of APACHE II alone.
The Use of Glyceryl Trinitrate Ointment with EMLA Cream for IV Cannulation in Children Undergoing Routine Surgery
Authors: Andrew M. , Barker D. , Laing R. 
Published: January 2019

This prospective randomized controlled double-blind trial was performed to investigate whether glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment, applied ten minutes after the removal of a eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic cream, lignocaine/prilocaine (EMLA), influences site selection for intravenous cannulation in children. Eighty children aged between five and 15 years, having general surgery as day patients, received EMLA cream on both hands for 90 minutes prior to transfer to the theatre suite. Acting as their own controls, the children received GTN on one hand, and placebo on the other, after removal of the EMLA cream and ten minutes prior to the insertion of an intravenous cannula. The application of GTN or placebo to left or right hand was blinded and randomized. At induction, the hand with the visually best quality veins was selected and cannulated. The primary outcome was selection between the EMLA/GTN hand and EMLA/placebo hand. The selection having been made, the number of attempts at cannulation, ease of insertion and pain scores (VAS) for cannulation were also recorded. The choice of hand was positively influenced by the use of GTN, with the GTN hand chosen in 51 of 72 (70%) children who completed the protocol (P=0.001). The findings of this study suggest that the application of GTN after EMLA removal may be clinically useful in aiding cannulation in children.
The Shikani Seeing Stylet™ for Difficult Intubation in Children: Initial Experience
Authors: Pfitzner L. , Cooper M. G. , Ho D. 
Published: January 2019

The Shikani Seeing Stylet™ is a recently introduced reusable intubating stylet, produced in adult and paediatric versions. It combines features of a fibreoptic bronchoscope and a lightwand. Inside a malleable stainless steel sheath, the Shikani Seeing Stylet™ has a fibreoptic cable leading to a distal light source and high-resolution lens. In use, the stylet is placed in the lumen of the selected endotracheal tube and the light source enables the stylet to be used as a lightwand, while the fibreoptic capability enables visualization of the laryngeal inlet. It is portable, relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. This report describes the use of the stylet on eight occasions in seven children, all of whom were assessed preoperatively as being potentially difficult to intubate. Three had been difficult to intubate previously. All were anaesthetized using inhalational anaesthesia. Once an adequate depth of anaesthesia had been achieved, conventional direct laryngoscopy was performed and identified as Grade 3 in six of the patients and Grade 1 in one. Tracheal intubation was then attempted using the Shikani Seeing Stylet™. On six of the eight occasions the attempt was made by different anaesthetists, none of whom had any prior clinical experience with the stylet. There were seven successful intubations and one failure in a patient who could not be intubated by any method. The Shikani Seeing Stylet™ seems a useful device for use in children with difficult airway problems, suspected cervical spine instability or limited mouth-opening.
Prolonged Intubation: An Alternative to Tracheosto my in Infants
Authors: Brandstater B. 
Published: January 2019

In 12 patients, ranging in age from newborn to 4 years, endotracheal intubation has been used as a substitute for tracheostomy. Using plastic tubes it was possible to maintain a good airway for periods of up to 7 weeks. Painstaking care was necessary to prevent the tubes becoming blocked or malpositioned. The tubes were tolerated well. Good laryngeal function has been regained by all 9 survivors. If permanent laryngeal changes have occurred, they show no signs of being severe. It is concluded that many cases customarily managed with tracheostomy can be equally well managed with intubation. Intubation may prove to be the preferred management in some cases of laryngeal oedema.
An Assessment of Small Simulators Used to Teach Basic Airway Management
Authors: Rosenthal E. , Owen H. 
Published: January 2019

This study assessed small simulators sold for teaching basic airway management. The assessment used criteria based on guidelines produced by the Australian Resuscitation Council and our experience teaching health professional trainees. Criteria included how well the simulators demonstrated manoeuvres to open the airway, mouth-to-mouth and mask-to-mouth expired air resuscitation and artificial ventilation using a bag and mask. Simulators with permanently open airways (as is the case with some intubation manikins) were not tested. Each simulator was also assessed for realism in relation to look and feel, hygiene and sturdiness of construction. Clinical staff and medical students who teach basic airway management undertook a standardized assessment of nine simulators. There were significant differences between simulators that could impact on learning. Generally, models with hard surfaces tended to be less realistic in both look and feel compared to those with flexible “skin”. Realism of lung inflation and its relationship to airway opening manoeuvres varied greatly between simulators. The Little Anne small simulator functioned most realistically in our tests.
Sub-Tenon's Block in Cataract Surgery—A Comparison of 1% Ropivacaine and a Mixture of 2% Lignocaine and 0.5% Bupivacaine
Authors: Koh J. W. M. , Cammack R. 
Published: January 2019

Sub-Tenon's block for cataract surgery is an increasingly common technique. While this technique has been successfully applied, the optimal local anaesthetic solution is not known. This study was performed to assess any differences in anaesthesia and oculomotor block between 1% ropivacaine and a 2% lignocaine with 0.5% bupivacaine mixture. The results indicate that there was no difference noted in the clinical effect between the solutions. “Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?” —Groucho Marx (1890–1977)
Cost-effectiveness of Basal Flow Sevoflurane Anaesthesia Using the Komesaroff Vaporizer inside the Circle System
Authors: Nandalan S. P. , Eltringham R. J. , Fan Q. W. 
Published: January 2019

After ethics committee approval, 51 consenting ASA physical status 1 or 2 adult patients were given basal flow sevoflurane anaesthesia using fresh gas flows of 150 to 300 ml.min-1 oxygen. A Komesaroff vaporizer was placed on the inspiratory limb of the circle system. Basal flows were introduced immediately following intravenous induction of anaesthesia. The vaporizer was set to deliver the maximum concentration until the inspired sevoflurane concentration (FSI) reached 3%. The dial was then adjusted to maintain the FSI at 3%. After every 60 minutes, the circuit was washed out with 100% oxygen at a flow rate of 10 l.min-1 for one minute. The FSI reached 3% after an average of 8.5 (3.8) [mean (SD)] minutes. The trends in FSI and the expired sevoflurane concentrations were significantly different (P<0.05) between the mechanically ventilated patients (n=21) and the spontaneously ventilating patients (n=30) and demonstrated a more gradual build-up in the former group. The consumption of sevoflurane was found to be 9.2 (2.8) ml.h-1. This represented a 52.5% cost saving over the clinical application of the Mapleson's ideal fresh gas flow sequence for low-flow anaesthesia.
Perioperative Beta-blockade: Guidelines and Practice in New Zealand
Authors: Weller J. , Karim Z. 
Published: January 2019

The aim of our study was to describe the knowledge and practice of New Zealand anaesthetists in relation to perioperative beta-adrenergic blockade, and to define barriers to implementation of perioperative beta-blockade in surgical patients at risk of myocardial ischaemia. A survey was sent to 400 New Zealand specialist anaesthetists. Information was sought on their knowledge and current practice relating to perioperative beta-blockade, and the barriers encountered to implementing therapy. The response rate was 59%. Perioperative beta-blockade was seen as beneficial in at risk patients by 95% of responding anaesthetists, but practice varied widely. Only 45% of anaesthetists always or usually commenced a beta blocker perioperatively, a department protocol was available to only 20%, and understanding of indications and contraindications to beta-blockade varied. There were logistical difficulties when initiating and monitoring perioperative beta-blocker regimens, and where treatment required multidisciplinary commitment. The lack of clarity of the guidelines was also a barrier to more widespread use. Difficulties were encountered relating general guidelines to individual patients, when co-morbidities, concurrent treatment and the influence of regional or general anaesthesia may influence the risk/benefit ratio. This study has identified variations in practice and reasons why New Zealand anaesthetists use of perioperative beta-blockers is at odds with published guidelines. Deficiencies in the guidelines are part of the problem. However, even with consensus on guidelines, effective multidisciplinary strategies will be required to optimize treatment of patients at risk of perioperative cardiac events.
Incidents during Out-of-Hospital Patient Transportation
Authors: Flabouris A. , Runciman W. B. , Levings B. 
Published: January 2019

Out-of-hospital patient transportation (retrieval) of critically ill patients occurs within highly complex environments. Adverse events are not uncommon. Incident monitoring provides a means to better understand such events. The aim of this study was to characterize incidents occurring during retrieval to provide a basis for developing corrective strategies. Four organizations contributed 125 reports, documenting 272 incidents; 91% of forms documented incidents as preventable. Incidents related to equipment (37%), patient care (26%), transport operations (11%), interpersonal communication (9%), planning or preparation (9%), retrieval staff (7%) and tasking (2%). Incidents occurred during patient transport to the receiving facility (26%), at patient origin (26%), during patient loading (20%), at the retrieval service base (18%) and receiving facility (9%). Contributing factors were system-based for 54% and human-based for 42%. Haste (7.5%), equipment malfunctioning (7.2%) or missing (5.5%), failure to check (5.8%) and pressure to proceed (5.2%) were the most frequent contributing factors. Harm was documented in 59% of incidents with one death. Minimizing factors were good crew skills/teamwork (42%), checking equipment (17%) and patient (8%), patient monitors (15%), good luck (14%) and good interpersonal communication (4%). Incident monitoring provides sufficient insight into retrieval incidents to be a useful quality improvement tool for retrieval services. Information gathered suggested improvements in retrieval equipment design and use of alternative power sources, the use of pro formae for equipment checking, patient assessment, preparation for transportation and information transfer. Lessons from incidents in other areas applicable to retrieval should be linked for analysis with retrieval incidents.
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations and Myocardial Dysfunction in Critical Illness
Authors: Sturgess D. J. , Marwick T. H. , Joyce C. J. , Venkatesh B. 
Published: January 2019

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is the first biomarker of proven value in screening for left ventricular dysfunction. The availability of point-of-care testing has escalated clinical interest and the resultant research is defining a role for BNP in the investigation and treatment of critically ill patients. This review was undertaken with the aim of collecting and assimilating current evidence regarding the use of BNP assay in the evaluation of myocardial dysfunction in critically ill humans. The information is presented in a format based upon organ system and disease category. BNP assay has been studied in a spectrum of clinical conditions ranging from acute dyspnoea to subarachnoid haemorrhage. Its role in diagnosis, assessment of disease severity, risk stratification and prognostic evaluation of cardiac dysfunction appears promising, but requires further elaboration. The heterogeneity of the critically ill population appears to warrant a range of cut-off values. Research addressing progressive changes in BNP concentration is hindered by infrequent assay and appears unlikely to reflect the critically inpatient's rapidly changing haemodynamics. Multi-marker strategies may prove valuable in prognostication and evaluation of therapy in a greater variety of illnesses. Scant data exist regarding the use of BNP assay to alter therapy or outcome. It appears that BNP assay offers complementary information to conventional approaches for the evaluation of cardiac dysfunction. Continued research should augment the validity of BNP assay in the evaluation of myocardial function in patients with life-threatening illness.
Incidence of Infections in Patients with Status Epilepticus Requiring Intensive Care and Effect on Resource Utilization
Authors: Ala-Kokko T. I. , Säynäjäkangas P. , Laurila P. , Ohtonen P. , Laurila J. J. , Syrjälä H. 
Published: January 2019

Data from a six-year period were retrospectively retrieved from medical records and an intensive care unit data management system to study the impact of infections on patients with status epilepticus. Out of 161 admitted patients, 33 had a community-acquired infection and 35 acquired an infection during their hospital stay, 10 while in a ward before admission to the intensive care unit and 25 while in an intensive care unit, giving an infection rate of 42% of all admissions (68 patients). The patients with intensive care unit-acquired infection had three times longer stays in the intensive care unit than those without any infection (P<0.001), and they utilized almost four times more nursing resources than those without infections (P<0.001). Furthermore, they were more often sedated with thiopentone infusion, either alone or in combination with other drugs, than the non-infectious patients (80% vs 20%, P<0.001). Both community- and hospital-acquired infections were related to longer intensive care unit stays (P<0.001). The hospital stay of patients with hospital-acquired infection was threefold compared to that of patients without infection (P<0.001), and these patients utilized almost three times more nursing resources than those without any infection (P<0.001). Patients with infections consumed 65.5% of the intensive care unit nursing resources of status epilepticus patients. In conclusion, the infection rate of status epilepticus patients was high and nosocomial infections were associated with more severe illness, treatment escalation, prolonged hospital stay and enhanced resource utilization.
Acid-Base and Bio-Energetics during Balanced versus Unbalanced Normovolaemic Haemodilution
Authors: Morgan T. J. , Venkatesh B. , Beindorf A. , Andrew I. , Hall J. 
Published: January 2019

Fluids balanced to avoid acid-base disturbances may be preferable to saline, which causes metabolic acidosis in high volume. We evaluated acid-base and bio-energetic effects of haemodilution with a crystalloid balanced on physical chemical principles, versus crystalloids causing metabolic acidosis or metabolic alkalosis. Anaesthetised, mechanically ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats (n=32, allocated to four groups) underwent six exchanges of 9 ml crystalloid for 3 ml blood. Exchange was with one of three crystalloids with strong ion difference (SID) values of 0, 24 (balanced) and 40 mEq/l. Controls did not undergo haemodilution. Mean haemoglobin concentration fell to approximately 50 g/l after haemodilution. With SID 24 mEq/l fluid, metabolic acid-base remained unchanged. Dilution with SID 0 mEq/l and 40 mEq/l fluids caused a progressive metabolic acidosis and alkalosis respectively. Standard base excess (SBE) and haemoglobin concentration were directly correlated in the SID 0 mEq/l group (R2=0.61), indirectly correlated in the SBE 40 mEq/l group (R2=0.48) and showed no correlation in the SID 24 mEq/l group (R2=0.003). There were no significant differences between final ileal values of CO2 gap, nucleotides concentration, energy charge, or luminal lactate concentration. SID 40 mEq/l crystalloid dilution caused a significant rise in subcutaneous lactate. In this group mean kidney A TP concentration was significantly less than controls and renal energy charge significantly lower than SID 0 mEq/l and control groups. We conclude that a crystalloid SID of 24 mEq/l provides balanced haemodilution. Bio-energetic perturbations with higher SID haemodilution may be more severe and need further investigation.
Treatment of Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease with Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy
Authors: Malik K. 
Published: January 2019

Intradiscal electrothermal therapy is a frequently performed procedure for the pain of internal disc disruption. It is typically performed on one to two discs; the discal treatment is followed by a long period of rest and rehabilitation. In patients with multilevel disc disease, intradiscal electrothermal therapy is either not contemplated or only one to two discs are treated at a time. This approach therefore either denies these patients the potential benefits of intradiscal electrothermal therapy or significantly prolongs the period of pain and disability. A 25-year-old female patient presented with internal disc disruption at four lumbar disc levels, diagnosed by provocative discography and post discography CT scan. All these discs were treated simultaneously by intradiscal electrothermal therapy. The patient tolerated the procedure well and responded favourably with significant and prolonged decrease in her symptoms. She reported sustained reduction in her pain and showed no clinical evidence of early neurological or infectious complications during 18 months of follow-up. This report indicates that intradiscal electrothermal therapy can be performed at multiple levels at a single sitting, compared to intradiscal electrothermal therapy performed at one to two discs at a time, this approach may obviate the need for surgery and may reduce the duration of pain and disability incurred. However, the influence of multilevel intradiscal electrothermal therapy on long-term complications or outcome is not known.
The Use of Activated Protein C in Severe Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria
Authors: Rankin L. G. , Austin D. L. H. 
Published: January 2019

A 56-year-old man presented to a peripheral hospital in New Zealand with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria with cerebral involvement and subsequently developed multi-system organ failure. Activated protein C was used in an attempt to stop the cascade of events into multiorgan failure. Severe infection with P. falciparum is life-threatening and appears to activate a hypercoagulable state similar to that of severe sepsis. Activated protein C is currently used in the treatment of severe sepsis and may provide a new adjuvant therapy for severe P. falciparum malaria.