Articles tagged with Anesthesiology
Patients with active cannabis dependence and abuse are at nearly twice the risk of suffering a heart attack after surgery, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital. Researchers analyzed records of over 4 million adults from 2006-2015 and found a significant increase in cannabis use disorders among surgical patients.
Researchers discussed recent clinical study results comparing fibrinogen concentrate and cryoprecipitate in cardiac surgery, highlighting fibryga as a potential alternative for managing perioperative bleeding. The studies provide important data on fibryga's efficacy and safety in treating acquired fibrinogen deficiency.
A new study from the University of Michigan and Dartmouth University found that US-born residents are significantly more likely to use prescription opioids than new immigrants. The study analyzed data from the national Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and found that US-born residents were more than five times as likely to use opioids a...
Patients who received courteous care during blood draws reported a 390% reduction in pain perception, with 82% experiencing excellent pain control. Empathetic providers were found to make a substantial difference in patient experience.
A systematic review of seven published studies suggests that medical marijuana may be associated with benefits such as decreased opioid overdose rates and improved quality of life. However, the results need to be confirmed by more rigorous scientific research due to limitations in study design and potential side effects.
Patients in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program used nearly half as many opioids and reported significantly less pain compared to those without ERAS. ERAS protocols focus on managing patient expectations and providing alternative pain medications, leading to decreased opioid consumption.
A study of 1,700 physician mothers found that those in procedural specialties who take on more household tasks report higher career dissatisfaction. The authors suggest more equitable distribution of tasks or outsourcing duties may help sustain physician moms.
A novel minimally invasive method using catheter-based ultrasound measures cardiac output with similar precision as a traditional device. This technology is less invasive and can be used while patients are awake, making it more clinically practical for young children.
Two BU medical students created a first-of-its-kind video on preventing falls from operating room tables, exploring the risks and strategies to mitigate these accidents. The award-winning video aims to educate healthcare providers on patient safety in operating rooms.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that women are less likely than men to receive geriatric care during hospitalization for emergency hip surgery. Women from low-income neighborhoods and those with dementia were also excluded from receiving anesthesiology consultations before surgery.
The article highlights the impact of mass shootings on blood donation rates and transfusion needs. A report by Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows that mass shootings can lead to a significant increase in blood component transfusions, with some hospitals requiring up to 2.7 units per admission.
A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2018 found that dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation therapy significantly improves chronic back pain, with a median pain score decrease of 33% after follow-up. DRG stimulation disrupts pain signals by targeting specific nerves, avoiding unnecessary stimulation of nerve fibers from non-painful areas.
A blood management program safely reduced transfusions in orthopedic patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgeries. The program implemented strategies to minimize bleeding, resulting in lower hemoglobin thresholds and reduced complications.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at UCLA Medical Center can predict hypotension in surgical patients with high accuracy, enabling physicians to take proactive measures. The algorithm uses machine learning to analyze physiological data and identifies subtle signs of impending hypotension, reducing the risk of serious complications.
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) has recognized William Maixner for his outstanding contributions to chronic pain research, a field he considers a 'hidden epidemic'. He is being honored with the $5,000 award for his exceptional research in this area.
Using multiple methods to manage pain during and after joint replacement surgery was associated with a decrease in opioid use, opioid prescriptions, and common complications. Multimodal therapy reduced opioid prescriptions by up to 18.5%, respiratory complications by 19% and gastrointestinal complications by 26%.
Hyperreactive brain networks may contribute to the hypersensitivity of fibromyalgia. Researchers found that patients with fibromyalgia have brain networks primed for rapid responses to minor changes, leading to explosive synchronization.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that most women do not require opioids to manage pain after hospital discharge. Researchers observed a significant reduction in opioid use for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries, with most pain resolving within 14 days.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that breastfeeding six weeks after delivery is not affected by the use of fentanyl in epidural pain relief. The study included 345 women who received different epidural solutions and found no adverse consequences on breastfeeding success.
A small preliminary study suggests that BOTOX injections can significantly reduce migraine frequency and duration in children and teens. After treatment, patients experienced fewer migraines and shorter-lasting headaches.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.