Postpartum Neuropathies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review discusses neuropathies intrinsic to the process of labour itself, and those related to obstetric central neuraxial block. The focus is on lower limb pathology. A general approach to the evaluation of patients is provided, emphasising the importance of identifying time-critical conditions.Recent FindingsRecent work has focussed on the incidence of postpartum neuropathy and confirms how rarely anaesthesia is a causative factor. International guidelines have been developed to minimise the risk of neuraxial-related injury, and to optimise both monitoring of patients with neuraxial block and...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - March 24, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Sedating Pregnant Patients for Minimally Invasive Fetal Interventions
This article discusses sedation in pregnant patients undergoing minimally invasive fetal interventions. It includes a review of the goals of sedation in this population, relevant existing guidelines, physiological considerations unique to pregnant patients undergoing sedation, and a brief discussion of perioperative management using pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic anxiolysis.Recent FindingsSedation is used by most fetal therapy centers performing minimally invasive fetal interventions in combination with local or neuraxial anesthesia. Existing guidelines recommend no more than a moderate plane of sedation for pregnant p...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - March 22, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
When is it Safe to Use a Supraglottic Airway Device? Advanced Uses for SGA Devices
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn recent years, supraglottic airway (SGA) devices have been used extensively intraoperatively and in non-operating room anesthesia (NORA) locations. Their use in laparoscopic surgery, non-supine positions, endoscopy, and bronchoscopy has become common place in anesthesia practices. The purpose of this review is to canvass the recent literature for an evidence-based approach for vetting SGA devices for use in anesthetic procedures traditionally performed with an endotracheal tube (ETT) and in NORA locations.Recent FindingsWe found considerable studies utilizing SGA devices in innovative and non-tra...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - February 6, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
To Eat or Not to Eat? A Review of Current Practices Regarding Food in Labor
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSignificant changes in the perception of women ’s birth experience and increased importance of maternal satisfaction have questioned fasting policies in labor. This review presents current guidelines and developments regarding food in labor, highlighting the importance of finding a safe compromise between liberal and restrictive policies.Recent FindingsAspiration of gastric contents in the pregnant population is exceedingly rare, despite liberal food policies. Little evidence suggests epidural analgesia affects the risk for aspiration. No evidence supports benefits of eating for obstetric outcome...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - January 30, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Haemoglobin Threshold for Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Traumatic Brain Injury: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
ConclusionsThere is no difference between a high and a low Hb threshold transfusion policy. Outcomes from high quality randomised controlled trials are awaited. (Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports)
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - January 5, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Understanding Racism in Anesthesia Care
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review illustrates the intersection of race and the practice of anesthesiology. We sought to identify racial disparities that exist within the anesthesia care model.Recent FindingsWithin the spectrum of anesthesia care, inequalities exist that negatively affect the outcomes of people of color. Specifically, the pain management of Black and Hispanic patients is often inadequate and under-valued.SummaryRace and ethnicity-driven disparities exist within the practice of anesthesiology. Understanding the history and practice of anesthesia through a racialized lens will allow practitioners to better...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - December 1, 2022 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Correction to: Thrombin Generation in Trauma Patients: How Do We Navigate Through Scylla and Charybdis?
(Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports)
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - November 10, 2022 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Patient Safety in Anesthesia: Hand Hygiene and Perioperative Infection Control
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review highlights the importance of the anesthesia team in minimizing perioperative infection risks and prevention of surgical site infection. Due to the immense financial and patient care burden that results from perioperative infection, a foundational knowledge in preventive measures is essential.Recent FindingsPerioperative infection control, the role of the anesthesia team in reducing infection risk, and more specifically the outsized importance of hand hygiene in this space have become increasingly apparent. Maintenance of workspace cleanliness along with hand hygiene forms the cornerston...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - November 3, 2022 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Intraoperative Monitoring During Neurosurgical Procedures and Patient Outcomes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAlthough intraoperative neuromonitoring has become a standardized practice for many neurological procedures, the evidence supporting its benefit remains contradictory. Here, we summarize the latest evidence of the impact of neuromonitoring on patient outcomes and make recommendations on its use in neurosurgery.Recent FindingsDespite some conflicting literature regarding its accuracy in predicting neurological outcomes, current guidelines support the use of intraoperative monitoring in neurosurgery for specific high-risk procedures. Recent studies suggest that using several monitoring modalities, wh...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - October 15, 2022 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Hold the Phone! Perioperative Personal Electronic Devices
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to illustrate the use of personal electronic devices among health care practitioners in the perioperative environment. It highlights the benefits of these devices as well as the potential risks to patient care.Recent FindingsPersonal electronic devices like smartphones have become ubiquitous in day-to-day life, and their utility has become indispensable to many industries. Within health care, they show promise to improve provider knowledge, communication, and adherence to best practices. Targeted applications for these devices demonstrate endless capacity for adaptatio...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - October 13, 2022 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Antifibrinolytics in Cardiac Surgery: What Is the Best Practice in 2022?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review describes the latest information related to the administration of lysine analogues during cardiac surgery. An awareness of appropriate antifibrinolytic administration will maximize benefit for blood conservation efforts and possibly decrease morbidity and mortality.Recent FindingsRecent pharmacodynamic assessments for antifibrinolytics are more sensitive. Research suggests that lower dose regimens may not provide maximal inhibition of fibrinolysis but may be equally effective in decreasing transfusion of blood products. Effective lower dose regimens may decrease the incidence of seizure...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - October 13, 2022 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Pediatric Neuroanesthesia — a Review of the Recent Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPediatric neuroanesthesia is a growing and still challenging subspecialty. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available knowledge and highlight the most recent findings of the literature on non-traumatic pediatric neuroanesthesia care.Recent FindingsSeveral human studies have confirmed the negative effects of early life anesthetic exposure. According to non-human studies, volatile anesthetics and opioids contribute to tumor progression. Tranexamic acid effectively reduces perioperative blood loss; it is used in several different doses without standard guidelines on optimal dosing. The w...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - October 6, 2022 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Impact of Closed-Loop Technology, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence on Patient Safety and the Future of Anesthesia
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of the present narrative review is to look at the present and future impact of closed-loop technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) on anesthesia and patient safety.Recent FindingsAI and ML are omnipresent and encountered daily without one ’s awareness. More and more promising AI-guided tools are being developed to help anesthesiologists provide better patient care. Some of these applications are already at par or outperforming clinicians in concrete tasks, although significant work is still needed for their effective and safe integ ration into clinical prac...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - October 3, 2022 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Preparing the Patient for ICU Transfer: What Is the Anesthesiologist ’s Role?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes the anesthesiologist ’s role in transferring critically ill surgical patients at different phases of care.Recent FindingsEarly recognition of patients at high intraoperative and postoperative risk is one of the most important first steps, followed by preoperative and intraoperative stabilization measures depending on the individual needs. It mainly is the anesthesiologist ’s responsibility to decide on postoperative ICU admission. The transfer of the critically ill should be planned; the ICU staff has to be informed as early as possible. Locally developed checklists shoul...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - October 3, 2022 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
Management of Neuromuscular Block in Pediatric Patients — Safety Implications
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe summarize the current status of neuromuscular blockade monitoring and reversal strategies in children, and the gaps that exist in our knowledge and approach compared to adult practice.Recent FindingsChildren experience residual neuromuscular blockade and are at risk of subsequent complications, though this is less well studied compared to adults. Objective (quantitative) monitoring of neuromuscular blockade in children has been challenging due to patient size and surgical positioning. Recent dosing indications for sugammadex in children and advances in objective monitoring may provide measures t...
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - September 13, 2022 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research
