Effects of two different strategies of fluid administration on inflammatory mediators, plasma electrolytes and acid/base disorders in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a randomized double blind study.

Background: Administration of normal saline might increase circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and may cause variation of plasmatic electrolytic and hyperchloremic acidosis, which in turn can impair renal function. Hence the use of balanced solutions could influence the inflammatory cascade triggered by the surgical procedures, the plasmatic electrolyte concentration, the acid-base equilibrium, and the renal function.

Methods: This is a double blind randomized trial.

Pulmonary function and expiratory flow limitation in acute cervical spinal cord injury.

Objective: To identify the nature of the changes of respiratory mechanics in patients with middle cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) and their correlation with posture.

Design: Clinical trial.

Setting: Acute SCI unit.