Articles tagged with Anesthesiology
A retrospective observational study found that over 55% of hip fractures occurred during warm months, with the majority happening indoors. The most common reason for indoor fractures was tripping over an obstacle, such as throw rugs.
The study found that opioid use decreased from 1 in 4 to 1 in 12 among hip and knee replacement patients between 2006 and 2014. Multimodal therapy increased, especially in small and medium-sized hospitals, leading to reduced opioid use and improved pain management.
A single-center study compared outcomes of 222 hip fracture patients treated before and after implementing the Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) model. PSH patients had reduced mortality rates, fewer ER visits, and higher discharge rates to home care.
A study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists found that women who catastrophize, or exaggerate pain, are more likely to take prescribed opioids than men. The study suggests that early treatment for pain catastrophizing may reduce opioid prescriptions for both sexes.
A new study published in Anesthesiology found that methadone significantly reduces the need for opioids after spinal fusion surgery. Patients treated with methadone required less intravenous and oral opioids to manage postoperative pain, reported lower pain scores, and had improved global satisfaction.
A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that patient complaints can identify surgeons with higher rates of surgical site infections and other avoidable adverse outcomes. These physicians not only make patients unhappy but also impact the ability of other team members to do their work, leading to more complications.
New research reveals that patients are often surprised with medical bills four-to-six times higher than expected when they see out-of-network specialists, despite not choosing them. The study finds that anesthesiologists and other specialists charge significantly more than Medicare pays for similar services.
A study found that US physicians charge significantly more than Medicare pays, with median charges 2.5 times higher. Regional variations were also significant, with some specialties and states facing much higher excess charges.
NTRX-07 targets cause of Alzheimer's disease, reducing inflammation and preserving neurons. The new drug improves removal of abnormal amyloid plaques, memory performance, and cognitive skills in mice.
A simple instruction sheet significantly increases patient compliance with preoperative medication instructions, reducing errors by 40%. The intervention has been found to improve patient safety and comfort, while also limiting surgical cancellations.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends standardized education programs for surgeons, residents, and hospital staff to improve teamwork and non-technical skills. These programs aim to enhance communication, resilience, leadership, and teamwork among surgical teams.
A large study of 15,000 adults found that falling up to six months before surgery is common and linked to lower quality of life and increased risk of injury. The frequency of falls among middle-aged patients was similar to those aged 65+, suggesting that a history of falls may be a powerful tool in assessing overall health.
Researchers discovered novel adaptations in hibernating animals that may help protect organs during surgeries and cardiac arrests. By studying Arctic ground squirrels' ability to survive repeated 'cardiac arrests,' scientists identified key mechanisms for metabolic flexibility, which could lead to improved survival rates and recovery.
A Loyola Medicine study found that women are 1.38 times more likely to report neck pain than men. The research adds to the growing body of evidence on sex differences in pain experience.
Researchers used functional MRI to assess the effectiveness of new pain medications in patients with chronic pain. The study found that FMRI can provide objective evidence to prevent premature discarding of potentially beneficial therapies.
A new RAND Corporation study found that the number of young female anesthesiologists is increasing, but their wages are lower than those of their male peers. Female anesthesiologists worked fewer hours and were more likely to work part-time, leading to a wage gap of 13%.
The new guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations for optimal temperature management during cardiopulmonary bypass, including cooling and rewarming rates. The guidelines aim to improve understanding of the relationship between temperature management and clinical outcomes, particularly its impact on brain function.
A new therapy called HF10 has been shown to provide significantly greater long-term relief for chronic back and leg pain compared to traditional SCS therapy. The study found that patients receiving HF10 therapy experienced a higher percentage of pain reduction and reported higher levels of satisfaction.
Patients with depression or anxiety experience 50% less pain improvement, 75% more opioid abuse when prescribed opioids. Identifying psychiatric disorders early can improve pain relief and reduce opioid abuse risk.
A study conducted at Virginia Mason Medical Center found that computer-assisted propofol sedation can reduce recovery room time for patients by almost 20%, compared to traditional midazolam and fentanyl sedation. The new method, known as CAPS, also shows higher patient satisfaction scores.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that positioning women on their side at 15 degrees does not reduce compression of the inferior vena cava as previously thought. Blood flow only partially increased at 30 degrees, challenging the long-held practice of tilting hips during labor.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that GAL-021, a novel therapeutic drug, may reverse or prevent respiratory depression in patients taking opioid medication without compromising pain relief. Researchers also found that GAL-021 had no adverse effects on non-respiratory variables such as sedation or blood flow.
Research found that AMPK regulates tau protein phosphorylation, reduces amyloidogenesis, and modulates inflammatory cytokines in postoperative cognitive dysfunction rats. The involvement of AMPK and inflammatory factors is considered a critical accommodation to postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
A study found that surgical patients who received a simple, multicolor instruction sheet before surgery were more likely to comply with their physician's instructions and experience a shorter post-op stay. The study also noted lower compliance rates in African-American and older adult patients with multiple chronic diseases.
Researchers pinpointed common perioperative procedures with little clinical evidence, recommending elimination to reduce costs and improve quality of care. The 'Choosing Wisely' campaign supports these findings, encouraging physicians to adopt evidence-based medicine.
The study found that AMPK and inflammatory cytokines play a significant role in postoperative cognitive dysfunction. AMPK regulates tau protein phosphorylation, reducing amyloidogenesis in neurons.
A new prediction tool can help doctors identify patients at highest risk for respiratory failure after surgery, allowing them to take measures to prevent the condition. The tool uses nine predictors to determine a patient's risk level, enabling doctors to assign risk levels and use preventive measures more effectively.
A team-based approach suggests balancing surgical and non-surgical treatment options with the patient's values and goals. High-risk senior patients can benefit from informed choices among treatments, including no treatment.
Physicians report success in weaning patient off bypass with intra-aortic balloon pump due to reversible left ventricle dysfunction and minimal atherosclerosis. The pump can be an option for patients with mild to moderate aortic insufficiency who don't have severe atherosclerosis.
A large US study found that cardiac arrest during childbirth is more common than thought, with causes including excessive bleeding, heart failure, and amniotic fluid embolism. The survival rate improved from 52% to 60% between 1998 and 2011.
A simple blood test can identify 85% of post-surgical heart attacks, which often go undetected due to a lack of symptoms. Heart attacks are the leading cause of death within 30 days of surgery, with 10% mortality rate.
A study examining incidence and trend of substance use disorder among medical residents found that 0.86% had a confirmed SUD during training, with increasing rates over the study period.
Researchers used brain imaging to track pregabalin's effects on fibromyalgia patients, finding reduced glutamate levels and decreased insula connectivity. This study suggests a future of targeted brain imaging approaches for chronic widespread pain treatment.
A recent study found that helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) improve trauma patient survival rates compared to ground emergency medical services (GEMS). The analysis of national trauma data showed that 12.6% of HEMS patients died, while 11% of GEMS patients died.
A study at Duke University Medical Center confirms an association between sleep apnea and post-surgical delirium, a condition with serious health consequences. Researchers found that patients with obstructive sleep apnea were more likely to develop delirium after surgery.
A large regional hospital in Ghana saw a 34% reduction in maternal mortality and a 36% reduction in stillbirth after QI initiatives were put into place. The study highlights the importance of leadership, staff morale, training, patient flow, and basic equipment in improving healthcare standards.
A study of 205,000 patients found significant variation in pre-surgery exam rates among hospitals, suggesting a lack of standard guidelines. The findings highlight potential risks of over-testing and under-testing, which may increase healthcare costs and harm patients.
Decertification of physicians participating in lethal injections by professional certifying organizations goes too far, argue Lawrence Nelson and Brandon Ashby. The authors examine the role of physicians in lethal injections and find that they can reduce risk while not advancing or harming ethical medicine principles.
A Johns Hopkins patient safety expert argues that current 'metrics' in healthcare are unreliable and hinder quality improvement efforts. He calls for the creation of standardized outcome measures to improve patient outcomes and transparency in data collection.
Damage to a specific area of the brain and decreased noradrenaline levels are linked to multiple sclerosis progression. The study found that noradrenaline plays a crucial role in preventing inflammation and preserving blood-brain barrier integrity.
A recent study by chemists from University of Copenhagen and NASA found that anesthetic gases have a significant impact on the climate. One kilo of anaesthetic gas affects the climate as much as 1620 kilos of CO2, with three commonly used gasses having global warming potentials ranging from 210 to 1620 times that of CO2.
Researchers in Rhode Island, led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, reduced central-line associated bloodstream infections to near zero using the widely-heralded Johns Hopkins checklist and other patient-safety tools. The intervention prevented 42 infections, saved 10 lives, and reduced ICU stays by 608 days.
A U-M study reveals that socio-economic factors, particularly race and age, significantly influence the use of alternative therapies like acupuncture and biofeedback in chronic pain patients. As people age, they are more likely to seek alternative therapies to manage chronic pain.
Developed by Drs. Richard Schwartz and Harsha Setty, the Video Rigid Flexible Laryngoscope helps navigate airways in patients with head and neck cancer or anatomical variations, reducing trauma risk.
Researchers at Penn have identified a fluorescent anesthetic compound, 1-aminoanthracene (1-AMA), that allows for precise imaging of anesthetics in the body. This new tool enables high-throughput screening of novel anesthetic compounds, which could lead to safer and more effective drugs.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that obese children are more likely to experience difficulties with airway obstruction and other breathing-related functions during surgery. The study also reveals a higher incidence of illnesses such as asthma, hypertension, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes among obese children.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that rapid diagnosis and treatment of pain syndromes leads to better outcomes for soldiers. The study shows that establishing pain treatment centers in combat areas can dramatically increase troop levels and military success.
Three anesthesiologists and a medical ethicist discuss whether doctors should participate in state-ordered executions, citing technical problems with lethal injection. They argue that doctors can minimize suffering, but others propose replacing anesthesia-related drugs with alternative personnel.
Anesthesiologists and medical ethicist discuss pros and cons of doctors participating in state-ordered executions. Some argue that humane methods can be used to minimize suffering, while others believe it violates the Hippocratic oath and compromises medical professionalism.
A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that obese patients have a higher risk of post-operative complications, including heart attack, wound infection, nerve injury, and urinary tract infection. The study found that morbidly obese patients had a death rate nearly twice as high as non-obese patients.
Researchers found PPM abuse varies greatly across US states, differing from traditional illicit drug trends. States with large metropolitan areas often have lower abuse rates despite perceptions of city dwellers being more prone to drug use.
Research highlights continued health risks following surgery, particularly for patients with serious underlying diseases. By understanding the mechanisms of inflammation and adopting strategies such as minimizing surgical incisions and pre-surgery medication, healthcare teams can reduce these risks.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a new formula to predict blood needs in heart surgery, focusing on patient age, weight, and kidney function. The simplified scoring system identifies risk factors for transfusion, aiming to reduce hospital resources and staff time.
A new near-infrared laser device can measure brain oxygen levels with high accuracy and non-invasively, providing real-time information to protect the brain from reduced oxygen levels. This technology has the potential to improve outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac surgeries.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that pharmacies in predominantly minority and low-income areas have lower availability of opioid analgesic pain medications. The gap is pronounced, with 86.9% of white ZIP code pharmacies carrying sufficient supplies compared to 54.2% in minority ZIP codes.
Researchers found complete pain relief in 76% of patients treated with low-dose ketamine infusions, with some experiencing relief lasting over three years. The study's findings suggest a novel approach to treating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
A survey of medical school deans and state medical society executives reveals widespread physician shortages in the US. The most frequently cited specialties experiencing shortages are anesthesiology (50%) and radiology (44%), with other subspecialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology, and geriatrics also reporting deficits.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers demonstrates that training research coordinators on a human simulator prior to a complex clinical trial can significantly improve their confidence in their abilities. The training improved the coordinators' confidence levels, with an average increase from 5.7 to 8.12, and also led t...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that using Doppler technology to guide fluid administration during major surgery improves outcomes. Patients who received Doppler-guided care experienced shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and less postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to those who received conventional care.
Studies reveal a connection between neuronal plasticity and chronic neuropathic pain. Gene therapy targeting protein kinase C shows promise in reducing sensitivity to pain. Such findings may lead to innovative treatments for persistent and debilitating pain conditions.