Educational Blog about Anesthesia, Intensive care and Pain management

IV Fluids

IV Fluids A) Crystalloid solutions (< 30 000 Dalton): 1-Hypotonic solutions: - D5W, ½ NS, D5 ¼ NS, D5 ½ NS. 2-Isotonic solutions: - NS, Ringer’s, Lactated Ringer’s (Hartmann’s), Ringer’s acetate. 3-Hypertonic solutions: - NaCl (3%, 7.5%), Mannitol (10%, 20%), NaHCO3 (5%, 7.5%, 8.4%). B) Colloid solutions (> 30 000 Dalton): 1-Blood derived: - Human albumin...

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) -Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by length-dependent degeneration of the motor and sensory nerve fibers, with a prevalence of 1 in 2,500 (about 200,000 patients in the European Union). -Anesthesia is administered to this population more frequently than to normal people, as CMT patients often need...

Ventilators

 Ventilators -Early ventilators consisted of the generation of negative pressure around the whole of the patient’s body except the head and neck; these were called Cabinet or Iron lung ventilators. -A negative pressure could also be applied over the thorax and abdomen: Cuirass Ventilators. Classification: 1. Pattern of gas flow during inspiration: a) Pressure generators:Constant...

Angioneurotic Edema

Angioneurotic Edema -A general term applied to the development of acute edema in the subcutaneous or submucous tissues.-Anesthetic help may be sought during an attack, when edema of the lips, tongue, or larynx may cause respiratory problems. Causes: -Angioedema may be secondary to the release of histamine, or many other vasoactive substances such as bradykinins, prostaglandins,...

Acquired C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency

Acquired C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency -This may be a familial or, more rarely, an acquired disorder involving the complement system.-The acquired form is mostly associated with a B-lymphocyte malignancy, and antibodies have been detected against abnormal immunoglobulins present on the malignant B-cells. The reaction between the two causes C1 activation, which in...

Ebstein’s Anomaly

Ebstein’s Anomaly -A rare congenital cardiac abnormality. -The septal and posterior cusps of the tricuspid valve are displaced downwards and are elongated, such that a varying amount of the right ventricle effectively forms part of the atrium. Its wall is thin and it contracts poorly. The remaining functional part of the right ventricle is therefore small. -The foramen...

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)- It is a complication of some forms of fertility medication. Most cases are mild, but small proportions are severe.Causative Medications:- Associated with the injection of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which is used for inducing final oocyte maturation and/or triggering oocyte release.- The risk is further increased...

Oculo-cardiac Reflex and Oculo-respiratory Reflex

Oculo-cardiac Reflex and Oculo-respiratory Reflex 1-Oculo-cardiac Reflex Definition: Bradycardia following traction on the extraocular muscles, especially the medial rectus. The reflex is particularly active in children. Bradycardia may be severe and may lead to asystole. Other arrhythmias may occur, e.g. ventricular ectopics or junctional rhythm. Bradycardia may also...