Effects of different drying methods on smears of canine blood and effusion fluid.

Background: Glass slide preparations from a variety of specimens (blood, masses, effusions) are commonly made as part of the diagnostic work-up, however the effects of various drying methods in veterinary practice and diagnostic laboratory settings is not clear.

Objective: Compare the effects of four drying methods on results of microscopic examination of canine blood smears and direct smears of pleural or peritoneal effusion fluid.

Methods: Twelve canine blood samples (6 from healthy dogs, 6 from sick dogs) and 6 canine peritoneal or pleural effusion samples.

An elevated respiratory quotient predicts complications after cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation: an observational pilot study.

Following cardiac surgery, hyperlactatemia due to anaerobic metabolism is associated with an increase in both morbidity and mortality. We previously found that an elevated respiratory quotient (RQ) predicts anaerobic metabolism. In the present study we aimed to demonstrate that it is also associated with poor outcome following cardiac surgery.

Extubation in patients undergoing extracorporeal life support.

Purpose: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a cardiopulmonary support system used for the treatment of severe cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Mortality is high partly because of the severity of the condition that requires support. The use of ECLS is generally associated with heavy sedation.

Extracorporeal life support for massive pulmonary embolism during pregnancy.

Massive pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of death during pregnancy. While the prevention of thromboembolic disease during the peripartum period is codified, there is no consensus regarding its treatment. We report two cases of pregnant women who had massive pulmonary embolisms (PE) and shock treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and heparin therapy.

Development and validation of a risk score to predict the probability of postoperative vomiting in pediatric patients: the VPOP score.

Background: Few data are available in the literature on risk factors for postoperative vomiting (POV) in children.

Objective: The aim of the study was to establish independent risk factors for POV and to construct a pediatric specific risk score to predict POV in children.

Methods: Characteristics of 2392 children operated under general anesthesia were recorded.