[Evaluation of anesthetic activity in the operating room. Use of beta relative cost index].

Objective: To evaluate the anaesthetic activity in the operating rooms using the newly reconstructed RCI beta, or relative cost index beta, a specific tool for analysis of anaesthetic activity and the linked cost.

Study Design: Prospective multicentric survey.

Methods: All scheduled anaesthetic procedures performed in March 1995 were collected.

Haemodynamic effects of moderate normovolaemic haemodilution in conscious and anaesthetized patients.

We have assessed the haemodynamic effects of moderate normovolaemic haemodilution in ASA I patients, either conscious or during enflurane-fentanyl anaesthesia (10 patients in each group). Cardiac index (CI), stroke index (SI) and ejection fraction (EF) were measured by transthoracic electrical bioimpedance and, in the anaesthesia group, arterial and central venous blood samples were obtained to assess oxygen delivery (DO2), oxygen consumption (VO2) and oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER). In conscious patients, heart rate (HR) remained unchanged as SI, EF and CI increased.

Hemodynamic effects of 0.375% versus 0.25% bupivacaine during cervical epidural anesthesia for hand surgery.

Background And Objectives: Cervical epidural anesthesia with 0.375% or 0.25% bupivacaine plus fentanyl is a reliable technique for surgical restoration of digital motion-after tourniquet release and rehabilitation.

Bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosing bacterial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients.

To assess the usefulness of BAL in diagnosing bacterial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients, 80 BAL fluid samples obtained from 72 patients with lung infiltrates were studied using the following parameters: infected cell count (polymorphonuclear leukocytes or macrophages with intracellular organisms), microscopic examination of stained smears, and quantitative culture with the determination of the simplified bacterial index (SBI) and the predominant species index (PSI). Of the 80 BAL samples studied, 56 were performed under antibiotic therapy. Bacterial pneumonia was the final diagnosis in 28 cases.

[Risk of secondary neuromuscular blockade after autotransfusion of blood drawn from the patient following curare administration].

A secondary neuromuscular blockade can occur after transfusion of autologous blood withdrawn after injection of muscle relaxants. In this study time course of muscle relaxation after transfusion of blood withdrawn before or after administration of atracurium (A) or vecuronium (V) was assessed. Forty adults undergoing haemorrhagic urologic surgery were included in the study.