Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a clinical immune-mediated syndrome; symptoms of HIT result from the development of arterial and venous thrombosis and are correlated with the severity of the thrombocytopenia. In all patients receiving heparin preparations in intensive care units, platelet counts should be monitored every 2-3 days throughout therapy, particularly during days 4-14 when HIT is most likely to develop. The major screening tests should always involve a clinical assessment of HIT probability (4Ts or HEP scoring systems) and enzymatic immunoassays (IgG antibodies) for patients with a moderate to high risk of HIT.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury in a patient diagnosed with hypofibrinogenemia after a cesarean section--case report and review of the literature.

Background: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a rare, but potentially fatal, complication of blood product transfusion, manifesting as acute respiratory distress syndrome. In most cases, TRALI is associated with massive transfusion of fresh frozen plasma and platelets.

Case Report: A 38-year-old-woman at 40 weeks gestation was admitted to hospital with spontaneous labor contractions.

[Anesthesia for cesarean section in patients with preexisting neurologic diseases--10 years of practice].

Objectives: Regional anesthesia is considered a 'gold standard' for cesarean sections. However, it is very often contraindicated in patients with coexistent neurological diseases. This article attempts to review the specific concerns for administration of anesthesia for cesarean section posed by spinal diseases, epilepsy sclerosis multiplex and others.

Pregnancy and delivery in women with esophageal varices due to hepatic vein thrombosis.

Aim: Retrospective analysis of the course of pregnancy, labor and mode of anesthesia in women with portal hypertension and esophageal varices induced by portal vein thrombosis.

Material: From 2000 to 2012 seven pregnant were admitted. None had liver transplantation (Ltx), the varicose have been in the 1st stage.

Anesthesiology and the cytokine network.

The immune response is a highly specific reaction carried out by means of specialized cells that belong to the immune system. There are two types of immune response mechanisms aimed towards pathogens: non-specific, innate reactions, and specific, acquired reactions. Acquired immunity, characterized by its specificity, is comprised of lymphocytes, including both T cell and B cell populations.