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Fluid Therapy (fluid + therapy)
Selected AbstractsEditorial: Hydration, Body Fluid Volumes, and Fluid Therapy,Are We Moving Forward as Fast as We Think?JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2003Harold C. Schott II DVM No abstract is available for this article. [source] Fluid therapy and the use of albumin in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injuryACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2009M. RODLING WAHLSTRÖM Background: Evidence-based guidelines for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) do not include strategies for fluid administration. The protocol used in this study includes albumin administration to maintain normal colloid osmotic pressure and advocates a neutral to slightly negative fluid balance. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of organ failure and the mortality in patients with severe TBI treated by a protocol that includes defined strategies for fluid therapy. Methods: Ninety-three patients with severe TBI and Glasgow Coma Score,8 were included during 1998,2001. Medical records of the first 10 days were retrieved. Organ dysfunction was evaluated with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Mortality was assessed after 10 and 28 days, 6 and 18 months. Results: The total fluid balance was positive on days 1,3, and negative on days 4,10. The crystalloid balance was negative from day 2. The mean serum albumin was 38±6 g/l. Colloids constituted 40,60% of the total fluids given per day. Furosemide was administered to 94% of all patients. Severe organ failure defined as SOFA,3 was evident only for respiratory failure, which was observed in 29%. None developed renal failure. After 28 days, mortality was 11% and, after 18 months, it was 14%. Conclusions: A protocol including albumin administration in combination with a neutral to a slightly negative fluid balance was associated with low mortality in patients with severe TBI in spite of a relatively high frequency (29%) of respiratory failure, assessed with the SOFA score. [source] Fluid therapy in acute myocardial infarction: evaluation of predictors of volume responsivenessACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2009J. SNYGG Background: Static vascular filling pressures suffer from poor predictive power in identifying the volume-responsive heart. The use of dynamic arterial pressure variables, including pulse pressure variation (PPV) has instead been suggested to guide volume therapy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of several clinically applicable haemodynamic parameters to predict volume responsiveness in a pig closed chest model of acute left ventricular myocardial infarction. Methods: Fifteen anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated pigs were studied following acute left myocardial infarction by temporary coronary occlusion. Animals were instrumented to monitor central venous (CVP) and pulmonary artery occlusion (PAOP) pressures and arterial systolic variations (SPV) and PPV. Cardiac output (CO) was measured using the pulmonary artery catheter and by using the PiCCO® monitor also giving stroke volume variation (SVV). Variations in the velocity time integral by pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography were determined in the left (,VTILV) and right (,VTIRV) ventricular outflow tracts. Consecutive boluses of 4 ml/kg hydroxyethyl starch were administered and volume responsiveness was defined as a 10% increase in CO. Results: Receiver,operator characteristics (ROC) demonstrated the largest area under the curve for ,VTIRV [0.81 (0.70,0.93)] followed by PPV [0.76 (0.64,0.88)] [mean (and 95% CI)]. SPV, ,VTILV and SVV did not change significantly during volume loading. CVP and PAOP increased but did not demonstrate significant ROC. Conclusion: PPV may be used to predict the response to volume administration in the setting of acute left ventricular myocardial infarction. [source] Haemodilution induced by hydroxyethyl starches 130/0.4 is similar in septic and non-septic patientsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2008P. MEYER Background: Fluid therapy induces haemodilution related to plasma volume expansion. The aim of our study was to compare haemodilution after a single hydroxyethyl starches (HES) 130/0.4 infusion in two groups of patients, one with and one without sepsis. We hypothesized that a single HES challenge would induce similar sustained haemodilution in both groups. Methods: In this prospective preliminary study, patients predicted to require a single further volume-expander infusion were included immediately before receiving 500 ml of 6% HES 130/0.4 over a 15-min period. No additional fluid was administered over the next 8 h. Haematocrit, and serum albumin and protein were determined immediately before HES infusion then after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 h. Results: Twelve patients were included in each group. In both groups, all three haemodilution markers had significantly lower values after 1 h than at baseline. None of the values after 1 and 3 h differed significantly between the two groups. Neither did any of the other study variables show significant differences between the groups with and without sepsis. Conclusion: We found that a starch-based compound was as effective in inducing haemodilution in patients with sepsis as in controls without sepsis, suggesting that HES may remain within the intravascular space even in patients with sepsis. Haemodilution parameters such as haematocrit, serum albumin and serum protein are useful for assessing the duration of plasma volume expansion induced by fluid therapy in critically ill patients. [source] Cell hydration and mTOR-dependent signallingACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1-2 2006F. Schliess Abstract Insulin- and amino acid-induced signalling by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) involves hyperphosphorylation of the p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70S6-kinase) and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein 4E-BP1 and contributes to regulation of protein metabolism. This review considers the impact of cell hydration on mTOR-dependent signalling. Although hypoosmotic hepatocyte swelling in some instances activates p70S6-kinase, the hypoosmolarity-induced proteolysis inhibition in perfused rat liver is insensitive to mTOR inhibition by rapamycin. Likewise, swelling-dependent proteolysis inhibition by insulin and swelling-independent proteolysis inhibition by leucine, a potent activator of p70S6-kinase and 4E-BP1 hyperphosphorylation, in perfused rat liver is insensitive to rapamycin, indicating that at least rapamycin-sensitive mTOR signalling is not involved. Hyperosmotic dehydration in different cell types produces inactivation of signalling components around mTOR, thereby attenuating insulin-induced glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and lipogenesis in adipocytes, and MAP-kinase phosphatase MKP-1 expression in hepatoma cells. Direct inactivation of mTOR, stimulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase, and the destabilization of individual proteins may impair mTOR signalling under dehydrating conditions. Further investigation of the crosstalk between the mTOR pathway(s) and hyperosmotic signalling will improve our understanding about the contribution of cell hydration changes in health and disease and will provide further rationale for fluid therapy of insulin-resistant states. [source] Administration of enteral fluid therapy: methods, composition of fluids and complicationsEQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 2 2003M. A. F. Lopes First page of article [source] Physiological aspects, indications and contraindications of enteral fluid therapyEQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 5 2002M. A. F. Lopes First page of article [source] Functional intravascular volume deficit in patients before surgeryACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010M. BUNDGAARD-NIELSEN Background: Stroke volume (SV) maximization with a colloid infusion, referred to as individualized goal-directed therapy, improves outcome in high-risk surgery. The fraction of patients who need intravascular volume to establish a maximal SV has, however, not been evaluated, and there are only limited data on the volume required to establish a maximal SV before the start of surgery. Therefore, we estimated the occurrence and size of the potential functional intravascular volume deficit in surgical patients. Methods: Patients scheduled for mastectomy (n=20), open radical prostatectomy (n=20), or open major abdominal surgery (n=20) were anaesthetized, and before the start of surgery, a 200 ml colloid fluid challenge was provided and repeated if a ,10% increment in SV estimated by oesophageal Doppler was established. The volume needed for SV maximization defined the intravascular volume deficit. Results: Forty-two (70%) of the patients needed volume to establish a maximal SV. For the patients needing volume, the required amount was median 200 ml (range 200,600 ml), with no significant difference between the three groups of patients. The required volume was ,400 ml in nine patients (15%). Conclusion: The majority of anaesthetized patients present with a functional intravascular volume deficit before surgery. Although the deficit in general was minor, a fraction of patients presented with a deficit that may be of clinical relevance, emphasizing the importance of the individual approach of goal-directed fluid therapy. [source] ,Liberal' vs. ,restrictive' perioperative fluid therapy , a critical assessment of the evidenceACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2009M. BUNDGAARD-NIELSEN Background: Several studies have assessed the effect of a ,liberal' vs. a ,restrictive' perioperative fluid regimen on post-operative outcome. The literature was reviewed in order to provide recommendations regarding perioperative fluid regimens. Methods: A PubMed search identified randomized clinical trials and cited studies, comparing two different fixed fluid volumes on post-operative clinical outcome in major surgery. Studies were assessed for the type of surgery, primary and secondary outcome endpoints, the type and volume of administered fluid and the definition of the perioperative period. Also, information regarding perioperative care and type of anaesthesia was assessed. Results: In the seven randomized studies identified, the range of the liberal intraoperative fluid regimen was from 2750 to 5388 ml compared with 998 to 2740 ml for the restrictive fluid regimen. The period for fluid therapy and outcome endpoints were inconsistently defined and only two studies reported perioperative care principles and discharge criteria. Three studies found an improved outcome (morbidity/hospital stay) with a restrictive fluid regimen whereas two studies found no difference and two studies found differences in the selected outcome parameters. Conclusion: Liberal vs. restrictive fixed-volume regimens are not well defined in the literature regarding the definition, methodology and results, and lack the use of or information on evidence-based standardized perioperative care-principles (fast-track surgery), thereby precluding evidence-based guidelines for procedure-specific perioperative fixed-volume regimens. Optimization of perioperative fluid management may include a combination of fixed crystalloid administration to replace extra-vascular losses and avoiding fluid excess, together with individualized goal-directed colloid administration to maintain a maximal stroke volume. [source] Prehospital therapeutic hypothermia for comatose survivors of cardiac arrest: a randomized controlled trialACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2009A. KÄMÄRÄINEN Background: Intravenous infusion of ice-cold fluid is considered a feasible method to induce mild therapeutic hypothermia in cardiac arrest survivors. However, only one randomized controlled trial evaluating this treatment exists. Furthermore, the implementation rate of prehospital cooling is low. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this method in comparison with conventional therapy with spontaneous cooling often observed in prehospital patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical service. After successful initial resuscitation, patients were randomized to receive either +4 °C Ringer's solution with a target temperature of 33 °C or conventional fluid therapy. As an endpoint, nasopharyngeal temperature was recorded at the time of hospital admission. Results: Out of 44 screened patients, 19 were analysed in the treatment group and 18 in the control group. The two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. The core temperature was markedly lower in the hypothermia group at the time of hospital admission (34.1±0.9 °C vs. 35.2±0.8 °C, P<0.001) after a comparable duration of transportation. Otherwise, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding safety or secondary outcome measures such as neurological outcome and mortality. Conclusion: Spontaneous cooling alone is insufficient to induce therapeutic hypothermia before hospital admission. Infusion of ice-cold fluid after return of spontaneous circulation was found to be well tolerated and effective. This method of cooling should be considered as an important first link in the ,cold chain' of prehospital comatose cardiac arrest survivors. [source] Fluid therapy and the use of albumin in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injuryACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2009M. RODLING WAHLSTRÖM Background: Evidence-based guidelines for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) do not include strategies for fluid administration. The protocol used in this study includes albumin administration to maintain normal colloid osmotic pressure and advocates a neutral to slightly negative fluid balance. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of organ failure and the mortality in patients with severe TBI treated by a protocol that includes defined strategies for fluid therapy. Methods: Ninety-three patients with severe TBI and Glasgow Coma Score,8 were included during 1998,2001. Medical records of the first 10 days were retrieved. Organ dysfunction was evaluated with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Mortality was assessed after 10 and 28 days, 6 and 18 months. Results: The total fluid balance was positive on days 1,3, and negative on days 4,10. The crystalloid balance was negative from day 2. The mean serum albumin was 38±6 g/l. Colloids constituted 40,60% of the total fluids given per day. Furosemide was administered to 94% of all patients. Severe organ failure defined as SOFA,3 was evident only for respiratory failure, which was observed in 29%. None developed renal failure. After 28 days, mortality was 11% and, after 18 months, it was 14%. Conclusions: A protocol including albumin administration in combination with a neutral to a slightly negative fluid balance was associated with low mortality in patients with severe TBI in spite of a relatively high frequency (29%) of respiratory failure, assessed with the SOFA score. [source] Stroke volume averaging for individualized goal-directed fluid therapy with oesophageal DopplerACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2009C. C. JØRGENSEN Background: An individualized fluid optimization strategy, based on maximization of cardiac stroke volume (SV) with colloid boluses (goal-directed therapy), improves outcome after surgery. Oesophageal Doppler (OD) is used for SV maximization in most randomized studies, but evidence-based guidelines for the SV maximization procedure are lacking and variation in SV may influence the indication for fluid administration. We measured beat-to-beat OD SV before and after fluid optimization in order to estimate the number of heartbeats for which SV needs to be averaged to provide an acceptable accuracy for goal-directed therapy with this technology. Methods: Twenty patients scheduled for surgery were anaesthetized, followed by OD SV assessment. Thirty seconds of beat-to-beat data were recorded before and after volume optimization performed by successive boluses of 200 ml colloid until SV did not increase ,10%. SV variability was assessed before and after the volume optimization when SV was measured beat to beat and when it was averaged over 2,10 heartbeats. Results: Nineteen (95%) and 17 (85%) patients demonstrated an SV variability ,10% before and after volume optimization, respectively, when SV was measured beat to beat. However, when SV was averaged over 10 heartbeats, only two (10%) and one (5%) of the patients demonstrated an SV variability ,10% before and after optimization, respectively (P<0.0001). Conclusion: OD SV variability is significantly reduced and reaches an acceptable level when SV is averaged over 10 heartbeats. The use of a shorter averaging period for SV may lead to incorrect volume administration in goal-directed fluid management. [source] Haemodilution induced by hydroxyethyl starches 130/0.4 is similar in septic and non-septic patientsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2008P. MEYER Background: Fluid therapy induces haemodilution related to plasma volume expansion. The aim of our study was to compare haemodilution after a single hydroxyethyl starches (HES) 130/0.4 infusion in two groups of patients, one with and one without sepsis. We hypothesized that a single HES challenge would induce similar sustained haemodilution in both groups. Methods: In this prospective preliminary study, patients predicted to require a single further volume-expander infusion were included immediately before receiving 500 ml of 6% HES 130/0.4 over a 15-min period. No additional fluid was administered over the next 8 h. Haematocrit, and serum albumin and protein were determined immediately before HES infusion then after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 h. Results: Twelve patients were included in each group. In both groups, all three haemodilution markers had significantly lower values after 1 h than at baseline. None of the values after 1 and 3 h differed significantly between the two groups. Neither did any of the other study variables show significant differences between the groups with and without sepsis. Conclusion: We found that a starch-based compound was as effective in inducing haemodilution in patients with sepsis as in controls without sepsis, suggesting that HES may remain within the intravascular space even in patients with sepsis. Haemodilution parameters such as haematocrit, serum albumin and serum protein are useful for assessing the duration of plasma volume expansion induced by fluid therapy in critically ill patients. [source] The role of nutrients in modulating diseaseJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 6 2008D. L. Chan The role of nutrition in the management of diseases has often centred on correcting apparent nutrient deficiencies or meeting estimated nutritional requirements of patients. Nutrition has traditionally been considered a supportive measure akin to fluid therapy and rarely it has been considered a primary means of ameliorating diseases. Recently, however, further understanding of the underlying mechanisms of various disease processes and how certain nutrients possess pharmacological properties have fuelled an interest in exploring how nutritional therapies themselves could modify the behaviour of various conditions. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and certain amino acids such as arginine and glutamine have all been demonstrated to have at least the potential to modulate diseases. Developments in the area of critical care nutrition have been particularly exciting as nutritional therapies utilising a combination of approaches have been shown to positively impact outcome beyond simply proving substrate for synthesis and energy. Application of certain nutrients for the modulation of diseases in veterinary patients is still in early stages, but apparent successes have already been demonstrated, and future studies are warranted to establish optimal approaches. This review describes the rationale of many of these approaches and discusses findings both in human beings and in animals, which may guide future therapy. [source] The influence of crystalloid type on acid,base and electrolyte status of cats with urethral obstructionJOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 4 2008DACVECC, DACVIM (Medicine), Kenneth J. Drobatz DVM Abstract Objective: To compare the effect of a balanced isotonic crystalloid solution with that of 0.9% sodium chloride on the acid,base and electrolyte status of cats with urethral obstruction. Design: Randomized prospective clinical trial. Setting: Academic veterinary emergency room. Animals: Sixty-eight cats with naturally occurring urethral obstruction. Interventions: Cats were randomized to receive either a balanced isotonic crystalloid solution (Normosol-R, n=39) or 0.9% sodium chloride (n=29) for fluid therapy. Baseline venous blood gas and blood electrolyte values were obtained at the time of admission and at intervals during the course of therapy. Measurements and main results: Baseline values were similar between groups. Cats receiving Normosol-R had a significantly higher blood pH at 12 hours, a significantly greater increase in blood pH from baseline at 6 and 12 hours, as well as a significantly higher blood bicarbonate concentration at 12 hours and a significantly greater increase in blood bicarbonate from baseline at 6 and 12 hours. Conversely, the increase in blood chloride from baseline was significantly higher at 2, 6, and 12 hours in cats receiving 0.9% sodium chloride. There were no significant differences in the rate of decline of blood potassium from baseline between groups. Subgroup analysis of hyperkalemic cats (K+>6.0 mmol/L) and acidemic cats (pH<7.3) yielded similar findings. Conclusions: While both crystalloid solutions appear safe and effective for fluid therapy in cats with urethral obstruction, the use of a balanced electrolyte solution may allow more rapid correction of blood acid,base status within the first 12 hours of fluid therapy. The use of a potassium-containing balanced electrolyte solution does not appear to affect the rate of normalization of blood potassium in treated cats with urethral obstruction. [source] Hypocalcemia in a critically ill patientJOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 2 2005Tamara B. Wills DVM Abstract Objective: To present a case of clinical hypocalcemia in a critically ill septic dog. Case summary: A 12-year old, female spayed English sheepdog presented in septic shock 5 days following hemilaminectomy surgery. Streptococcus canis was cultured from the incision site. Seven days after surgery, muscle tremors were noted and a subsequent low serum ionized calcium level was measured and treated. Intensive monitoring, fluid therapy, and antibiotic treatment were continued because of the sepsis and hypocalcemia, but the dog was euthanized 2 weeks after surgery. New or unique information provided: Low serum ionized calcium levels are a common finding in critically ill human patients, especially in cases of sepsis, pancreatitis, and rhabdomyolysis. In veterinary patients, sepsis or streptococcal infections are not commonly thought of as a contributing factor for hypocalcemia. Potential mechanisms of low serum ionized calcium levels in critically ill patients include intracellular accumulation of calcium ions, altered sensitivity and function of the parathyroid gland, alterations in Vitamin D levels or activity, renal loss of calcium, and severe hypomagnesemia. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and calcitonin have also been proposed to contribute to low ionized calcium in the critically ill. Many veterinarians rely on total calcium levels instead of serum ionized calcium levels to assess critical patients and may be missing the development of hypocalcemia. Serum ionized calcium levels are recommended over total calcium levels to evaluate critically ill veterinary patients. [source] Estimation of Acute Fluid Shifts Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in HorsesJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2007C. Langdon Fielding Background: Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) has been used to evaluate extracellular fluid volume (ECFV), but not fluid fluxes associated with fluid or furosemide administration in horses. If able to detect acute changes in ECFV, MF-BIA would be useful in monitoring fluid therapy in horses. Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of MF-BIA to detect acute fluid compartment changes in horses. We hypothesized that MF-BIA would detect clinically relevant (10,20%) changes in ECFV. Animals: Six healthy mares were used in the study. Methods: This is an original experimental study. Mares were studied in 3 experiments: (1) crystalloid expansion of normally hydrated subjects, (2) furosemide-induced dehydration followed by crystalloid administration, and (3) acute blood loss followed by readministration of lost blood. MF-BIA measurements were made before, during, and after each fluid shift and compared to known changes in volume calculated based on the intravenous fluids that were administered in addition to urinary fluid losses. Mean errors between MF-BIA estimated change and known volume change were compared using nonparametric analysis of variance. Estimated ECFV pre- and post-fluid administration similarly were compared. The level of statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results: Results of the study revealed a statistically significant change in ECFV and total body water during crystalloid expansion and dehydration. Statistically significant changes were not observed during blood loss and administration. Mean errors between MF-BIA results and measured net changes were small. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: MF-BIA represents a practical and accurate means of assessing acute fluid changes during dehydration and expansion of ECFV using isotonic crystalloids with potential clinical applications in equine critical care. [source] Brain edema in liver failure: Basic physiologic principles and managementLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 11 2002Fin Stolze Larsen MD In patients with severe liver failure, brain edema is a frequent and serious complication that may result in high intracranial pressure and brain damage. This short article focuses on basic physiologic principles that determine water flux across the blood-brain barrier. Using the Starling equation, it is evident that both the osmotic and hydrostatic pressure gradients are imbalanced across the blood-brain barrier in patients with acute liver failure. This combination will tend to favor cerebral capillary water influx to the brain. In contrast, the disequilibration of the Starling forces seems to be less pronounced in patients with cirrhosis because the regulation of cerebral blood flow is preserved and the arterial ammonia concentration is lower compared with that of patients with acute liver failure. Treatments that are known to reverse high intracranial pressure tend to decrease the osmotic pressure gradients across the blood-brain barrier. Recent studies indicate that interventions that restrict cerebral blood flow, such as hyperventilation, hypothermia, and indomethacin, are also efficient in preventing edema and high intracranial pressure, probably by decreasing the transcapillary hydrostatic pressure gradient. In our opinion, it is important to recall that rational fluid therapy, adequate ventilation, and temperature control are of direct importance to controlling cerebral capillary water flux in patients with acute liver failure. These simple interventions should be secured before more advanced experimental technologies are instituted to treat these patients. [source] Perioperative fluid therapy in pediatricsPEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 5 2008ISABELLE MURAT MD PhD First page of article [source] The effect of low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) on enhanced coagulation induced by crystalloid haemodilution,ANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2010R. L. Llewellyn Summary The purpose of this study was to establish whether a low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) attenuated or abolished the enhanced coagulation induced by crystalloid fluid therapy. Twenty young, healthy male volunteers were injected subcutaneously with either enoxaparin 40 mg or saline on two separate occasions one week apart, in a randomised, blinded study. Twelve hours later, a blood sample was taken for thrombelastography analysis and haematocrit. Saline 14 ml.kg,1 was then infused over thirty minutes and thrombelastography and haematocrit measurements repeated. There was a significant post-dilutional difference in the alpha angle (p = 0.002) and k -time (p = 0.001) between the two groups. There was a trend towards reduced shortening of r -time in the enoxaparin group compared to the saline control (p = 0.18). The findings suggest that enoxaparin diminished acceleration of clot formation due to haemodilution. [source] British consensus guidelines on intravenous fluid therapy for adult surgical patients (GIFTASUP) , Cassandra's viewANAESTHESIA, Issue 3 2009Article first published online: 10 FEB 200 First page of article [source] Guidelines for the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy 2008AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Sandra A. LOWE This is the Executive Summary of updated guidelines developed by the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand for the management of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. They address a number of challenging areas including the definition of severe hypertension, the use of automated blood pressure monitors, the definition of non-proteinuric pre-eclampsia and measuring proteinuria. Controversial management issues are addressed such as the treatment of severe hypertension and other significant manifestations of pre-eclampsia, the role of expectant management in pre-eclampsia remote from term, thromboprophylaxis, appropriate fluid therapy, the role of prophylactic magnesium sulfate and anaesthetic issues for women with pre-eclampsia. The guidelines stress the need for experienced team management for women with pre-eclampsia and mandatory hospital protocols for treatment of hypertension and eclampsia. New areas addressed in the guidelines include recommended protocols for maternal and fetal investigation of women with hypertension, preconception management for women at risk of pre-eclampsia, auditing outcomes in women with hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and long-term screening for women with previous pre-eclampsia. [source] Toxicity in three dogs from accidental oral administration of a topical endectocide containing moxidectin and imidaclopridAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 8 2009AM See Three dogs were presented with a history of oral administration of a topical endectocide containing imidacloprid and moxidectin. They were diagnosed with imidacloprid and moxidectin intoxication, having ingested doses ranging from 7.5 to 1.4 mg/kg of imidacloprid and 1.9 to 2.8 mg/kg of moxidectin. The three dogs were affected to different degrees of severity, but all displayed signs of ataxia, generalised muscle tremors, paresis, hypersalivation and disorientation. Temporary blindness occurred in two cases. The three dogs were tested for the presence of the multi-drug resistance 1 gene deletion, which can cause an increased sensitivity to the toxic effects of moxidectin, and were found to be negative. Treatment included gastrointestinal decontamination, intravenous fluid therapy and benzodiazepines to control muscle tremors. All three dogs made a complete recovery within 48 h of ingestion. [source] The use of in-line intravenous filters in sick newborn infantsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 5 2004RA van Lingen Aim: This study assesses the improvement in outcome for newborn infants by decreasing major complications associated with intravenous fluid therapy by using an in-line filter, and evaluates the economical impact this might have in relation to daily changing of i.v. lines. Methods: In a prospective controlled study, 88 infants were randomly assigned to receive either filtered (except for lipids, blood and blood products) or non-filtered infusions via a central catheter. Main outcome measures such as bacteraemia, phlebitis, extravasation, thrombosis, septicaemia and necrosis were all scored. The costs attributable to patients during a standard 8-day stay were also recorded. Results: Significant reductions were found in major complications such as thrombi and clinical sepsis (control group (21), filter group (8); p < 0.05). Bacterial cultures of the filters showed a contamination rate on the upstream surface of 15/109 filters (14%). The mean costs of disposables were less in the filter group, showing a reduction from ±31.17 to ±23.79. Conclusions. The use of this in-line filter leads to a significant decrease in major complications and substantial cost savings. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||